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For more information, contact,

Sherry Henson, Executive Director of Communications

(901) 334-5805

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

The Rev. Dr. Henry Logan Starks Institute for Faith, Race, and Social Justice at

MEMPHIS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY hosts A Peace of My Mind Exhibit February 1 -28

 &

Second Interactive Exhibit at First Congregational Church February 11-19

 

MEMPHIS, TN – Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) 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.  “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,” said Noltner.

 

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.

 

Since 2010, more than 100,000 people have viewed the exhibit at schools, private galleries, community centers, places of worship, libraries, and universities across the country.  The Rev. Dr. Henry Logan Starks Institute for Faith, Race, and Social Justice at MTS is sponsoring the exhibit in Memphis during the month of February with assistance from a grant from FedEX Cares.  The images from his original book, A Peace of My Mind: Exploring the Meaning of Peace One Story at a Time will be on display in the Jeanne and Henry Varnell Art Gallery February 1 – 28.  The gallery is located in Founders Hall and is open to the public each week day from 8-5 p.m.

 

A second exhibit which consists of free standing double-sided banners is also connected to online content that allows viewers to interact with web-based bonus material including audio clips, slideshows, and discussion questions.  The exhibit, based on Noltner’s second book A Peace of My Mind:  American Stories, will be available to the public at First Congregational Church, 1000 Cooper Street, in Midtown Memphis, February 11 – 19.  An opening reception will be held Sunday, February 11, at 1 p.m.

 

“We are excited to be building synergy with First Congo on this project as we believe these very powerful exhibits will inspire dialog around issues of civic responsibility, justice and social change, as well as how one’s faith shapes their view of social justice, “ said Dr. Rosalyn Nichols, director of the Starks Institute.

 

Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) is an ecumenical graduate school of theology that seeks to create a higher theological educational setting that is committed to scholarship, piety, and justice.  MTS was founded in 1852 in McKenzie, Tennessee. In 1964, the seminary moved to Memphis, TN and educates men and women of all races and denominations.

www.MemphisSeminary.edu