“World Religion Day ’09″ – painted live at the World Religion Day celebrations in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This is the second year in a row I have painted this event. I do so in the hopes that it will encourage love, tolerance, friendship and communication between different faith groups in Nova Scotia and beyond. After all, love is the opposite of fear. The more we reach out to one another and form connections, the less we see others as “them” separated from “us”.

I wasn’t the only event artist this year! I sat on one side at the front painting, while to my right, Rhiannon Wyatt worked a piece in sculpture.

If anyone really likes this piece and wishes to buy it, I am willing to donate the proceeds to the FEED Nova Scotia like I did last year. No pressure, though. I’m actually really fond of how this one turned out and like having it on my wall.

I know a lot of religious communities shy away from forming any sort of fellowship with those who do not share their beliefs, but there’s wisdom in being open to other people’s ideas. It keeps us from becoming close-minded.

Here’s hoping next year we will see even wider representation for World Religion Day 2010!

Peace.