IWPG West Busan Branch Hosts Awards Ceremony and Special Exhibition for the 6th International Loving-Peace Art Competition.

Busan, July 26 (V7N)- The West Busan Gyeongnam Branch and Yangsan Branch of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), led by Regional Director Eun Joo Heo, successfully hosted the awards ceremony for the preliminary round of the 6th International Loving-Peace Art Competition. The event took place on July 20 at the Camellia Room in Dasom Hall, Busan Citizens Park, with the special exhibition titled “Sharing the Peace Worldview Across Generations” running from July 17 to 22 at Dasom Gallery.

IWPG’s Regional Director Eun Joo Heo at the awards ceremony for the 6th International Loving-Peace Art Competition, held at Busan Citizens Park, with the exhibition ‘Sharing the Peace Worldview Across Generations’ on display. Photo: IWPG

This exhibition aimed to unite peace-themed artworks from children with pieces by established artists, fostering a vision of peace across generations. The preliminary competition, organized by IWPG, focuses not only on artistic skills but also on nurturing “peace talent” by encouraging participants to reflect on and express peace through their art.

Award winners from this round will benefit from a mentoring program provided by the three judges, including Young Geun Choi, head of the Busan branch of the Korean Creative Art Association. This initiative underscores IWPG's commitment to developing young talents through collaboration with seasoned artists.

Hae Rin Seol, a third-year student at Gyeongwon High School and first-prize winner in the high school division, remarked, “Despite our diverse cultures and values, I believe that collective hope can overcome the pain of war. I look forward to a global era of peace.”

Judge and mentor Soon Cheon Yu suggested, “Introducing peace education beforehand could help participants choose a central theme for their artwork. Given the crucial role of mothers in promoting peace, it would be valuable to organize activities that involve both mothers and children in peace-themed programs.”

Hee Soo Jo, a first-grader at Donggung Elementary School and Encouragement Award recipient in the elementary division, noted, “This competition taught me about the significance of peace and the necessity of reunification for true peace.”

Eun Joo Heo expressed appreciation to the mentors, stating, “I am grateful to the mentors for their invaluable contributions to the future generation. I hope this collaboration between established artists and young talents further enriches the arts scene in Busan.”

Judge and mentor Soon Cheon Yu advocates for pre-competition peace education and mother-child activities to enhance peace-themed art. Photo: IWPG

In addition to the mentoring program, the West Busan Gyeongnam Branch signed memorandums of understanding with seven civic organizations and media outlets to foster talent discovery and promote peace in the local community. So Nam Choi, Honorary President of the Busan Chapter of the Korean Women’s Association for Reunification, affirmed, “IWPG’s ongoing and sincere efforts for sustainable peace are commendable. I am committed to supporting IWPG’s initiatives and contributing to Busan’s societal development and talent discovery.”

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