Collaborative art making : finding the presence of peace within adolescents of the Amani community

This case study immersed the researcher in the lives of ten members of the Amani community located in Meru, Kenya for the duration of a month, during which she examined how dialogue and collaborative art making foster understanding of peace. In addition to examining literature on community-based art education, collaboration, dialogue, and developing perspectives of peace, the researcher conducted a collaborative art workshop centered on the theme of peace with nine adolescents. Through dialogue with the adolescents and the founder of the Amani community, Dr. Karambu, several themes relating to peace were generated, along with a “toolbox” with instruments art educators may utilize when facilitating community engagement.