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Lion and Lamb

Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center

Through all appropriate means, but especially through arts and literature,
The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center of Bluffton University promotes
the study of peace and justice,
cultural understanding
and nonviolent responses to conflict
with an emphasis on these themes for children. 
 

About the Lion and Lamb 

An education professor, Dr. Libby Hostetler, had a vision of children learning about peace, justice, cultural understanding and nonviolent responses to conflict by interacting with literature and the arts. That vision came to life in a nook of Bluffton's Musselman Library in 1987. In time, The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center of Bluffton University outgrew its first home and moved across campus to Riley Court, where it remains.

Programming

Our programs include providing resources for students, teachers, parents, our campus and community. Programs can be customized for audiences of any age or interest. We often integrate programs with Bluffton University curricula and offer training opportunities for professionals working with children. We always welcome visitors to browse the library collection and enjoy the art work.   

Resources

Resources include picture books, curriculum guides, teacher references and art work. 

Art collection

Art includes sculptures, fine art, children's artwork and original illustrations from picture books as well as The Honda Outdoor Peace Sculpture Garden. 

We encourage you to explore the Bluffton Peace Trails, a virtual art tour around campus. 
 
Director : Louise Matthews

Louise Matthews received an associate degree from Hesston College, Hesston, Kan. (1976) and bachelor's degree in elementary education K-8 from Bluffton University (1978). Louise taught in several school systems before she began teaching her five children at home, taking advantage of resources and programs through The Lion and Lamb when it began in 1987. Louise began her service as director of the center in 2004. Her teaching background and experiences with children, as well as an Anabaptist peace heritage, inform her work and efforts for peace and justice.

Student assistant: Erica Baer

CENTER HOURS

The Lion and Lamb is generally open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 - 11 a.m., 1 - 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. or call to arrange a time. 

All programs and use of resources are free of charge.

Phone: 419-358-3207

Email: lionlamb@bluffton.edu

Mailing address:
The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center
1 University Drive - 50
Bluffton, OH 45817-2104

 Swords to Plowshares                                                  Medallion

The Lion and Lamb published a picture book, Swords to Plowshares, written by Lisa Weaver and illustrated by Amanda Huston '13. Stop by the center to purchase your copy for $10. To have a copy sent to you, simply print the order form and send with your payment.

>>> order form

 The Lion and Lamb Peace Center is listed in

 about the founder

Dr. Elizabeth "Libby" Hostetler, professor emeritus Bluffton University, founded The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center in 1987 to provide a resource for children to gain skills necessary for developing a vision of peace. Libby served as director of the center until retiring from Bluffton University in June 1999. Through her efforts in various roles as a teacher, professor, principal, founder and director of The Lion and Lamb, Libby is an advocate for peace-learning and peace-living.

financial support

The Lion and Lamb depends on financial contributions from those who share our vision for peace. To support our efforts, 1) visit www.bluffton.edu/make-a-gift and choose designation option “The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center or 2) write check payable to The Lion and Lamb and send to:

The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center
1 University Drive 50
Bluffton, OH   45817-2104

 
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