[MCN] for immediate release

[Jeannette Rankin Peace Center]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



John Noltner to speak about his multimedia project, “A Piece Of My Mind” on
Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at 7 pm at the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center



Contact: Betsy Mulligan-Dague, peace at jrpc.org or 543-3955

Available for Interview:   Betsy Mulligan-Dague, peace at jrpc.org or 543-3955

John Noltner, john at apeaceofmymind.net



“In a world that often asks us to focus on the things that can separate
us…politics, ethnicity, and religion…A Peace of My Mind encourages us to
explore the common humanity that connects us.” – founder John Noltner

What does peace mean to you? That’s the central question photographer and
storyteller John Noltner has been asking people for his social commentary
project, A Peace of My Mind.



Founded in 2009, A Peace of My Mind is a multimedia art project that
fosters public dialogue about issues related to conflict resolution, civic
responsibility, and peace. With engaging portraits and compelling personal
stories, nearly 100 diverse subjects describe what peace means to them, how
they work toward it in their lives, and some of the obstacles they
encounter along the way.



Those profiled include Holocaust survivors and a homeless man, a Somali
refugee and a military chaplain, a pottery instructor and an oil company
executive. Artists, volunteers, politicians, and business leaders all share
their thoughts and inspiring stories in a series that celebrates our common
experience and sense of community.



A Peace of My Mind expanded into the public forum in 2010 with the
production of a traveling exhibit, funded through a grant from the
Minnesota State Arts Board. Since then, more than 80,000 people have viewed
the exhibit at schools, private galleries, community centers, places of
worship, libraries, and universities across the country.



In 2011, A Peace of My Mind won support from 92 backers through a
Kickstarter campaign to produce a book from the series with a foreword
written by Mahatma Gandhi’s granddaughter, Ela Gandhi. The book earned
first place in the Midwest Book Awards, and won a silver IPPY from the
Independent Publishers Association.



A Peace of My Mind continues to develop programming to engage viewers with
the art. Through keynote presentations, small group discussions, and
in-depth workshops, A Peace of My Mind helps civic and student groups
understand the ways we categorize one another and how we can bridge our
differences and build community through sharing our stories.



Using this model, A Peace of My Mind has been presented at the Peace and
Justice Studies Association National Conference, the Nobel Peace Prize
Forum, and the Dayton International Peace Museum. The project has been
honored in 2013 with EDIT’s Art for Change award, Jovial Concept’s Peace
Initiative, and a Jefferson Award for Youth Service.



Mr. Noltner will be in Missoula to conduct some interviews and do a
multi-media presentation about his project and its impact. For more in,
visit his website at *www.apeaceofmymind.net
<http://www.apeaceofmymind.net/>*




Betsy Mulligan-Dague, Executive Director
Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
...working to build a world that is nonviolent, socially just and
environmentally sustainable...
519 S. Higgins
Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: 406-543-3955
Fax:  406-541-3997
peace at jrpc.org
www.jrpc.org
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