Blood soaked Vietnam draft papers, peace mantras, deep ethical questions that might never be answered discussed during a no-holds-barred forum whose participants were merely asked to respect one another. It seems as though candid and non-partisan debate had all but gone the way of civility in modern discourse. That is, with the exception of gatherings like the Peace Spore hosted by Evolver Baltimore.

Photo by James Hodges, story by Peter Cardamone.

Barefoot and sock laden individuals from all different backgrounds sat in a circle to discuss and quandary the great questions and actions that arise from a life devoted to peace. Dave Eberhart, a poet and one of the Baltimore Four, (the group that was considered the first of more than 100 draft board actions across the country) led us into a peaceable mindset by reading several of his vivid and thought provoking poems. Words that arose from his mouth and planted themselves in one’s mind, activated the conscience and provoked an urge to stand up for something worth fighting for.

Photo by James Hodges, story by Peter Cardamone.

And then, discussion ensued. The spectrum of opinions ranged from those that want peace through war, others who want peace through peace and individuals who want their own little piece of peace. Everyone felt free to say what they thought or felt about certain issues that plague the minds of our modern citizenry. And in a city where we are quick to honk a horn and flick the bird, (and in some neighborhoods, pull a gun) I saw such patience and respect between these Baltimoreans that I expected Keisuke Miyagi to walk in any minute and wax on, wax off.

Photo by James Hodges, story by Peter Cardamone.

With the kind of silence that would make a church mouse seem unruly I sat quietly and listened to people who actually give a shit; people who care less about petty partisan loyalty and more about human existence. I’m talking about the kind of people who would rather volunteer their time, than argue their point. Right here in Baltimore, the city that has been notorious for violence and crime on TV and in the media, we have a small, yet devoted, group of people who want to see change. Who want to stop putting band-aids on a gaping wound and see what they can do to actually help heal the problem.

Photo by James Hodges, story by Peter Cardamone.

At one point Dave Eberhart read a quote from Gandhi that most of us have heard, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If this sentiment is at all effective, then from what I saw and heard at Peace Spore, Baltimore is on its way to experiencing a welcome change in the minds and actions of its citizens.

Photo by James Hodges, story by Peter Cardamone.

Photo by James Hodges.

Photo by James Hodges.

9 Out Of 10 Starving Artists Agree…

Free Money Is Surprisingly More Satisfying Than No Money At All.

On February 1, Creative Capital will begin accepting online Letters of Inquiry for its upcoming grant round to fund innovative projects in Film/Video and Visual Arts.

Creative Capital provides integrated financial and advisory support to artists pursuing adventurous projects; whose work is provocative, timely and relevant; who are deeply engaged with their artforms, yet are also boldly original; who create work that carries the potential to reshape the cultural landscape.

Inquiries must be submitted by March 1. Guidelines and eligibility information are available online, and information sessions will be held throughout January and February.