09-02-26 Giving Peace Wings: The Power of Connection, Creativity and Change
In this episode of Friends With The World, Michelle Villegas welcomes artist, author, illustrator, sculptor, and educator Sue DiCicco-Smith.
From her early career as an animator to her work creating and illustrating children’s books, sculpture, and arts programs for young people. Sue has dedicated her creative gifts to inspiring imagination and connection.
Sue is also the founder of Armed with Arts and the Peace Crane Project, a global initiative that brings people together through the simple act of folding an origami crane and sharing a personal message of peace. What began with a question—What can artists do to make a difference?—has grown into an opportunity for children and adults around the world to connect across cultures, borders, and communities.
In this inspiring conversation, Sue shares the story behind the Peace Crane Project, its connection to Sadako Sasaki and Hiroshima, and her journey to Japan to learn more about Sadako’s life and legacy.
She also reflects on the power of creativity to help children develop confidence, empathy, curiosity, and a sense of connection to the larger world.
At its heart, this conversation is a reminder that peace isn’t something we simply wait for others to create. Each of us can use our own gifts, creativity, and connections to help bring about positive change.
One crane. One connection. One person can help give peace wings.
Bio: Sue DiCicco-Smith is an artist, author, illustrator, sculptor, and educator whose creative work has inspired children and communities around the world. She began her career as an animator and has gone on to write and illustrate numerous children’s books, create sculptures, and develop arts programs that encourage creativity and self-expression.
Sue is the founder of Armed with the Arts and the Peace Crane Project, a global initiative that uses origami cranes and personal messages of peace to connect children and adults across cultures and borders. Her work reflects her belief in the power of creativity, connection, and individual action to help create positive change in the world.
Learn more about Michelle here https://dreamvisions7radio.com/friends-with-the-world/
Website: friendswiththeworld.com
