Artist Indira Johnson has been placing her iconic fiberglass buddha heads across Chicago for over a decade. You've probably seen them before in your neighborhood: giant ivory colored buddha heads seem to be emerging from the ground. Artist Indira Johnson has been place her iconic fiberglass buddha heads across Chicago for over a decade. Titled the Ten Thousand Ripple (TTR) Project, Johnson's goal is to provide the general community with an intense and meaningful public art experience as a catalyst for community conversations and interactions about peace and nonviolence.

Join Indira Johnson, Catherine Schwalbe, and South Asia Institute for a transformative and healing experience. Learn more about the guiding principles of the Ten Thousand Ripples Project and explore the meaning of peace through conversation and creative activity. Each participant will receive a flag on which they can write or draw their personal vision of peace, later to be strung around the circle of emerging Buddhas on Lake Shore Drive.

Indira Freitas Johnson

Born in Mumbai, India, Indira Freitas Johnson’s distinctive identity is a synthesis of sculptor, cultural worker, peace activist and educator. Her art practice is is grounded in the belief that cultural and creative expression can drive deep, lasting social change.

Catherine Schwalbe

Catherine Schwalbe is committed to her art practice, creating mixed media, sculpture, installation, and relational works rooted in peacebuilding, food systems, water, and connection. Her Haptic Studio hosts an urban residency. She also teaches The Art of Food each summer at Lillstreet, exploring the intersection of food, art, and peace.