El Paso’s sister city, Cd. Juarez, Mexico, is under siege by violence. From my childhood in Juarez, I only have fond memories of what used to be a great city. Now my heart is saddened by the situation. As a graphic designer, I feel compelled to do something about it. Using my skills, I decided to work on a poster that highlights the outrage against such violence. After discussing the idea with many of my colleagues, it was remarkable to see their many perspectives. I decided to invite them to participate in putting a show TOGETHER. -- Sandra Salas, Creative Gong

Mission Peace of Art: Design for Change is an exhibit that presents posters of social protest designed by professional and student designers to create awareness of the situation of violence in Cd, Juarez. To give a face to the violence and help people understand that the violence changes people’s lives. It is a display of Peace and/or protest on both sides of the border. More importantly, Peace of Art will raise funds that will aid Cd. Juarez victims and their families.

The Voices National and international designers are creating posters with the message of “Peace and/or Protest the violence in Cd. Juarez” for the Peace of Art: Design for Change Exhibit/Fundraiser. The designers have had complete freedom as to the content of their poster, it’s size and medium. The posters are in English, Spanish, or both. Designers with roots from the borderland (Cd. Juarez and El Paso) The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) graphic design department students are participating. The Design professors have assigned the poster as a graded project. The best posters are displayed along with the professional posters. The University of Cd. Juarez/ Universidad Autonoma de Cd. Juarez (UACJ) is conducting a similar exhibit showcasing 60 posters, “Ideas por la Paz” or “Ideas for Peace” which compliments the “Peace of Art. “We are joining efforts and will exhibit the show on both sides of the border. 50 elementary school children will also submit drawings on “Peace.”

Our Focus “Peace of Art: Design for Change” will raise money through donations taken at the exhibit and the project’s website. Proceeds will go to a fund that will distribute the help to the victims of violence. will feature an on-line gallery of the posters and the artists’ statements. It will feature the stories of many victims along with information on the fund and the process. A catalog featuring the artwork, the project and the victims will be available for sale at the website and the exhibit. Peace of Art is a traveling exhibit and will display at indifferent places in El Paso in order to reach people from all parts of town. The exhibit will also be in various cities in The U.S. The exhibit will travel to four different cities in Mexico and in Costa Rica. We will create a documentary of the “Peace of Art: Design for Change” and its impact.

Platinum Sponsor: $10,000 (Availabity 1) MEDIA Recognition and Benefits: Company named as the “Peace of Art: Design for Change” presenting sponsor throughout our endeavors through media outlets, all event press releases, and web banners on our site and others. Formal recognition from the podium at the various opening receptions Acknowledgement on “Peace of Art: Design for Change” website, tweeter and facebook LOGO Recognition: Company name identified on all event marketing materials including: TV, Billboards, Posters, Invitations, Event Banners, Program, Catalog, Website and Documentary ON-SITE Recognition: 2 Peace of Art Shirts, Recognition as Presenting Sponsor on Event Banner SATISFACTION OF KNOWING THAT YOU ARE HELPING VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE.

Gold Sponsor: $5,000 (Availabity 2) MEDIA Recognition and Benefits: Company named as the “Peace of Art: Design for Change” gold sponsor through media outlets, web banners, and blog post Formal recognition from the podium at the opening receptions Acknowledgement on “Peace of Art: Design for Change” website, tweeter and facebook LOGO Recognition: Company name identified on event marketing materials including: Posters, Invitations, Event Banners, Programs, and our Website ON-SITE Recognition: 2 Peace of Art Shirts, Recognition as Gold Sponsor on Event Banner SATISFACTION OF KNOWING THAT YOU ARE HELPING VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE.

Silver Sponsor: $2,500 (Availabity 5) MEDIA Recognition and Benefits: Company named as the “Peace of Art: Design for Change” silver sponsor through media outlets and in all event press releases Formal recognition from the podium at the opening receptions Acknowledgement on “Peace of Art: Design for Change” website LOGO Recognition: Company name identified on all event marketing materials including: Event Banners, Program, Website ON-SITE Recognition: 2 Peace of Art Shirts, Recognition as Silver Sponsor on Event Banner SATISFACTION OF KNOWING THAT YOU ARE HELPING VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE.

Bronze Sponsor: $1,000 (Availabity 10) LOGO Recognition: Company name identified on all event marketing materials including: Event Banners, Program, and our Website ON-SITE Recognition: 2 Peace of Art Shirts, Recognition as Bronze Sponsor on Event Banner SATISFACTION OF KNOWING THAT YOU ARE HELPING VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE.

For more info: Sandra Salas