Rising In Unity is a three-dimensional mixed media collage. This poetry and art collage was co-created by artist in residence Vicky Jackson and students from schools in Edmond, OKC, Moore and Midwest City during the Respect Diversity Holocaust Art Education Project, sponsored by the OKC Jewish Foundation, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the Edmond Women’s Club.
First, during an assembly in each of the schools, author Michael Korenblit related experiences during the Holocaust to many issues of today such as bullying, school shootings, racism, intolerance towards people of different religions, cultures, and those with special needs. Through the study of the Holocaust, students come to realize that silence and indifference to the suffering of others, or to the infringement of civil rights in any society, is not acceptable.
Rising In Unity was completed at the OKC Museum of Art under the guidance of Ms. Jackson. The students learned about the art of Marc Chagall and other Holocaust survivors. Ms. Jackson also taught them about rescuers, including Varian Fry, who risked their lives to save musicians, authors, painters and other artists from the persecution of the Nazis.
A circular form reminiscent of a star is the backdrop for the smaller mandalas encircling it. The mandala is a perfect symbol of respect for diversity, since circles are universally perceived as symbolizing unity.
Messages of understanding and respect are written on the colorful ribbons in the form of haiku. The many colors represent people of all cultures throughout the world.
Rising in Unity is now displayed at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute.
