Chesapeake, VA (September 10, 2007) – The Studio at Kathy Davis recently set out to spread the message of world peace in the local community of Ambler, PA. Pinwheels for Peace, a global art therapy project, was chosen as the ideal venture to teach children and raise awareness over important global initiatives. Combining sheets of YUPO® synthetic paper with the imaginations of over 100 elementary school children, The Studio introduced the project to their town.

Pinwheels for Peace was founded byteachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, of Coconut Creek, Florida. The project is designed to help students express their feelings about the important events happening in the world and how they impact their lives. As part of the process, students write individual thoughts on war and peace, tolerance and living in harmony on one side of a sheet of paper in a simple pinwheel cut-out. The other side of the sheet features drawings, paintings, collages, and other artistic works that visually illustrate their opinions on these universal issues.

For the past 2 years, on September 21, International Day of Peace, pinwheels are assembled around the world and “planted” into the ground as a public statement and art exhibit. In 2005, approximately 500,000 pinwheels spun around the world. Last year, that figure doubled to over 1 million pinwheels across more than 2,350 locations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Middle East, and Africa.

“We strongly believe that businesses have an obligation to their communities. Introducing global initiatives and creating new local activities is part of our social responsibility program,” explains Janet Gerhard, a Designer from The Studio. “Pinwheel for Peace is a great program to help us contribute because it not only educates our youth about global issues but also expands that awareness to the community at large.”

In 2006, Kathy Davis Studios participated in this event, whereby each designer was provided with a perforated sheet of YUPO synthetic paper, watercolor paints and a stem. Once assembled, the completed pinwheels were planted in front of the Studio headquarters, creating a dynamic and vibrant showcase of insightful messages and creative designs.

Good for the Environment, Easy for Young Artists
The Studio chose YUPO to serve as the central element of the pinwheels. An innovative substrate from Yupo Corporation America (Chesapeake, VA), YUPO synthetic paper possesses unique characteristics that were key to the success of the Ambler Pinwheels for Peace project.

Tear-resistant and one hundred percent waterproof, YUPO offers superior durability compared to traditional or laminated paper, creating a worry-free surface for artists to experiment and design. YUPO is also recyclable and entirely tree-free, which supports the environmental nature of the program. Its bright white, smooth surface also allows the watercolor illustrations to really stand out.

“Art is both physical and emotional. Having a material that can stand up to the design criteria of our Studio while also bringing the designer’s ideas to life is ideal,” says Janet. “YUPO also maintains the pinwheels’ shapes and function through inclement weather, which is great for a project intended for outdoor display.”

Using watercolor paint provides another advantage when working with YUPO. Because the paint rests on top of YUPO, as opposed to traditional paper where the paint is absorbed, designers can easily play with the colors and create multiple layers. If they want to make any changes, they simply wipe and start over. Also, once the paint has dried, the colors remain as vivid as they are when wet.

“We couldn’t think of a better material for this project. It has been a hit with the Designers while providing environmental benefits that support our company efforts,” says Janet. “We are looking forward to using YUPO again this year.”

Keep a lookout for pinwheels this fall!