The phrase has been repeated in many speeches, lectures and in general conversation by many, striving for something beyond the ordinary.

        A group of kids in Over-the-Rhine has a grasp of the phrase. They are using it to create mosaic panels to be installed on a large concrete park bench.

        The project is called: “I Have a Dream of Peace: The People's Mosaic Project.” It is a collaboration of Peaslee Neighborhood Center and the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

        “We have kids coming from Washington Park Elementary School, Peaslee Neighborhood Center, St. Francis Seraph, Memorial Community Center, Immanuel Community Center, Tender Mercies, the Over-the-Rhine Community Center and the Kids Cafe,” said Michelle Markert, director of community education for the Art Academy, who is helping to coordinate the project.

William Reliford, 10, of Over-the-Rhine works on a mosaic panel for “I Have a Dream of Peace: The People's Mosaic Project.” (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        The panels are being put together at Buddy's Place, 1300 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Suzanne Fisher, mosaic artist, is leading the project.

        “The purpose of the collaboration is to bring together a diverse group of people with a common goal of creating a work of art,” she said.

        Some of the drawings and photographs show rainbows, flowers, trees, buildings and lots of playground equipment, which are being integrated into the design for the park bench. A permanent site for the bench has not been chosen.

        “That is their understanding of what peace should be,” Ms. Fisher said.

        William Reliford, a 10-year-old fifth-grader at Washington Park Elementary School, is having fun with the project. He stops by Buddy's Place every day.

        “I make clay (images) of people I know,” he said. “They are going to be placed on the back of the bench. This is a good project. I am glad I am a part of it.”

        The project is partially funded by a grant to the Art Academy from the Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation, a national foundation based in Boston.

        “Anyone is free to drop in as much or as little as they like to make the dream a reality. No previous artistic experience is necessary,” Ms. Markert said.

        To arrange a time or for more information, call Brenda Zechmeister at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, 621-5514, or Ms. Markert at 562-8748.

        A campaign to raise $5 million has been launched at McAuley High School, 6000 Oakwood Ave., College Hill.

        The funds will be used for a new building to house state-of-the-art science labs, as well as music facilities, expansion of the gymnasium, the cafeteria, additional parking and funds for endowment.

        A groundbreaking ceremony is set for 1 p.m. March 3 at the school.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are committing random acts of kindness that are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.
       

Demands make boycott complex
Mixing neighbors, remaking communities
City West experiment tests idea of mixing incomes in neighborhood
Cow chase wields darts and decoys
Pilot's relatives hopeful
Conference coming
Displays give students peek into past
Enquirer photographer wins Best Of Show award
GOP speaker touts House record
Race lawsuit parties meeting
Theater gets break
Tristate A.M. Report
Women gather to grow in faith
BRONSON: Semper Fi
HOWARD: Some Good News
PULFER: Docs fed up
SMITH AMOS: Third Frontier
Where does buffalo roam? Monroe
Area went from 'Highland' to Heights
House passes bill limiting document access
Newport's Italianfest wins tourism society award
Redevelopment plan challenged