The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville (UUCville) will host a dual celebration on Sunday, September 21, featuring the rededication of their Peace Pole and the unveiling of an interactive “Help Each Other” art installation. The event, which begins at 11:00 AM at the congregation’s 717 Rugby Road location, invites community members to take home yard signs designed by Chicago artist JB Daniel, spreading messages of love and compassion throughout Charlottesville, Albemarle and surrounding counties.
The Peace Pole, featuring “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, stands as a symbol of the congregation’s commitment to fostering peace and understanding in the community.
“In these times when division seems to dominate headlines, we’re creating a visible reminder that peace and mutual aid are values we can all embrace,” says Rev. Tim Temerson, lead minister at UUCville. “The Peace Pole rededication reconnects us with our longstanding commitment to building a more peaceful world.”
Alongside this ceremony, hundreds of “Help Each Other” yard signs will transform the congregation’s Rugby Road frontage into a vibrant art installation. Community members are encouraged to take signs home to display in their own yards, helping to “pepper” the region with reminders of our shared humanity.
“I took pleasure in seeing how other communities embraced these signs,” shares Rev. Leia Durland-Jones, who helped coordinate the installation. “The beauty of this project is that it moves from our congregation’s grounds into neighborhoods throughout our region, creating ripples of kindness and connection.”
The “Help Each Other” project (https://jbdaniel.com/helpeachother1.html) was created by Chicago artist JB Daniel, whose work has appeared in communities across the country. Photos from UUCville’s installation will be added to the artist’s collection, connecting Charlottesville to a nationwide movement of compassion.
All community members are warmly invited to attend this free event. For more information, visit our website uucharlottesville.org or call 434-293-8179.