The Cultural Arts Society of La Verne and The Gallery at Hillcrest invite the community to experience a special exhibit for the holidays, “Reflections on Peace” an interfaith art experience.

A reception for artists and faith communities will be held on Thursday, December 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. to share in fellowship and to hear the stories and the significance of the art submitted.

Gallery visitors will be welcomed to the exhibit by over 1,000 multi-colored origami cranes “flying” in random formation overhead.

Hours of paper-folding by many hands of residents, employees, interns and families have made this display possible—each crane representing a prayer for peace.

According to Japanese legend, the crane is considered one of the mystical or holy creatures and is said to live for 1,000 years. That is why 1000 cranes are made, one for each year. It is believed that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes (senbazuru) will be granted a wish. Several temples, including some in Tokyo and Hiroshima, have eternal flames for world peace. At these temples, school groups or individuals often donate senbazuru to add to the prayer for peace.

In the Hillcrest gallery, individuals and faith communities have come together to share their interpretations of peace in many art forms. Text panels have been installed with the art to indicate the faith community from which it comes, the story behind the art piece, a short biography and passages from sacred texts and faith communities.

The exhibit will be on display through December 30 in The Gallery at Hillcrest, 2705 Mountain View Dr., La Verne.