Art Activist

Inspired by fellow countryman Mahatma Gandhi, Indian-born artist Indira Johnson has been reaching out with a message of peace.

Since 1993, Johnson's Shanti Foundation for Peace has used art to help children and adults find non-violent solutions to their conflicts.

Through in-school programs in local Evanston schools – or as far away as the Rhode Island School of Design – Johnson spurs students to blend their spiritual and artistic exploration with a social message. Her community projects help bring neighbors together, developing closer bonds between erstwhile strangers.

Related Links

Discover what else is going in the Evanston art scene.

Visit " A Force More Powerful" to learn more about nonviolent movements throughout history. The site includes more information about a documentary series on Gandhi that premiered on PBS in 2000.