The Lenexa Rotary Club, Lenexa Arts Council and Lenexa Parks & Recreation Department joined together to present the Peace Poles project displayed this year at Black Hoof Park. A Peace Pole is a monument to express the hope of "May Peace Prevail on Earth." Started in Japan after the destruction of World War II, peace poles were first introduced to the United States in 1986. Most recognized the international peace symbol with more than 200,000 poles displayed in almost every country.
35 poles were exhibited along the trail representing 32 artists or groups have decorated poles for the exhibit. These artists put an enormous amount of time into designing and then creating the peace poles you see today. Clearly, the artists are all talented and creative, and they share a passion for spreading messages of peace. In addition, 2 poles were decorated collaboratively by community members at the Lenexa Art Fair in May.
Beginning on 11/11 at 8:00am we will have an online auction that ends Noon on 11/15. It will transition to a silent auction at Lenexa City Hall at 6:00pm until 6:45pm with the 10 highest bidding poles going into an exciting live auction. Bidding starts at $50, and the online auction will have a $500 buy-it-now price (all poles will be displayed the evening of 11/15).
Proceeds benefit Project 1020, which operates a homeless shelter at SMUUC Church in Old Town Lenexa. They serve the homeless population of the county and provide volunteers and support every day from December through March. Go to this website for more information about the auction https://www.32auctions.com/peacepoles2024?r=1&t=all