Peace crane project returns to JJC

Upon entering the library at Joliet Junior College, you will be greeted by an interactive pop-up art exhibition where you can fold origami cranes and write a message of peace on them. If you decide to examine the exhibition further, you will find the meaning behind this exhibit. This is the Peace Crane Project, and it is rich in history around the world. Originating from a Japanese girl named Sadako Sasaki, a victim of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the Peace Crane Project is a remembrance of her life and a symbolic message of tranquility in times of violence. The Peace Crane Project made its first appearance at JJC in 2001 by Professor Andy Neill. JJC had a peace rally in opposition to the violence of 9/11 and war between the U.S and Iraq. Neill used this peace rally as an opportunity to introduce the Peace Crane Project to JJC. Now, over 20 years later, Neill has reintroduced the Peace Crane Project by incorporating the project as an activity for his classes. He did this in support of the victims of the recent school shooting of Uvalde and the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. Unfortunately, he reported that most of his students did not show much interest in the project. However, one of Neill’s students, Andrew Fleisleber, sustainability intern, was interested in the project and was inspired to make an event for the project. Fleisleber did this event with the help of the Sustainability Union. This event caught the attention of Librarian Amy Chellino, who is ultimately responsible for the pop-up art exhibition that can be found in the JJC library today. Chellino reports the pop-up exhibition is popular among students, which is a stark difference from the low interest Neill reported when he reintroduced the project to his classes after its more than 20 year hiatus.