The "A is for Ahimsa" exhibition starts with a reception from 5-9 p.m. Saturday at the center.

Local artists have been commissioned to address the theme of Ahimsa, a Sanskrit word embodying the concept of respect for all living things.

"The artists were each given a blank canvas, 22 by 28 inches in size," said Nancy Sunnenberg, vice president of the council. "They represent a cross-section, with different backgrounds and different cultures." Among the artists is Annie Ruth, who served as artist consultant for the Roselawn Community Council.

"I am serving a dual role as the artist consultant and as one of the participating artists in the project," Ruth said. "For the project, I did a piece on light. I am ... using light to show that peace perpetuates peace and light perpetuates light. We spread light by lighting another candle."

Other activities at the Ahimsa Art Gallery include jazz by vocalist Sheila Marshall and friends, Sept. 19.

All events are open to the public at no charge.

Zoo doctor honored

Dr. Terri Roth, vice president of animal sciences for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, will receive a Chevron Texaco Conservation Award today.

The $10,000 award will be presented at the Chevron Texaco global headquarters in San Ramon, Calif.

She is being honored for her work with the Sumatran rhino in Cincinnati. Two rhino calves have been born at the zoo since 2001. Before the first birth, a Sumatran rhino had not been bred in captivity in more than 100 years.

"I am honored to receive this award," Roth said. "I hope it sheds light on the plight of Sumatan rhinos and helps to further the work that is being done to save them."

The Sumatran rhino-breeding program was unsuccessful until Roth discovered that female Sumatran rhinos ovulate only after mating. She said this helped her to determine when rhinos could be paired for breeding.

Acts of Kindness: World Day of Prayer

The co-pastors of New Thought Unity Center, the Revs. Doris Hoskins and Pat Williamson, invite the public to participate with the church in today's World Day of Prayer.

The center, 1401 East McMillan St., Walnut Hills, will host two prayer and meditation services - noon and 7 p.m. This year's theme is United in God's Presence.

"Prayer lifts us to new heights of joy and strengthens our ever-increasing awareness of God's presence in our lives and in all creation," Hoskins said.

This is the 11th annual World Day of Prayer. It is traditionally held on the second Thursday in September.

The World Day of Prayer is an interfaith event open to people of all faiths. Its purpose is to unite them in prayer.

People across the globe will join Silent Unity, an international prayer ministry, and Unity churches around the world in a partnership of prayer.

Silent Unity believes prayer is a way to achieve healing, harmony, and understanding.

The event was first held in 1994 at Unity Village, Mo.

Hoskins said a prayer request can be left on the New Thought Unity Center line by calling (513) 961-1119 and pressing 3.

Members of the New Thought Unity Center will also hold silent prayer around the clock from midnight to midnight today.

Information: www.worlddayofprayer.org.