The Founder:
Dr. Elizabeth "Libby" Hostetler, former education professor at 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 leaving her role at Bluffton University in August 1999 and recently retired as principal from Bluffton Elementary School.
The Current Director:
Louise Matthews received an Associate Degree from Hesston College, Heston, KS (1976) and Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education K-8th from Bluffton College (1978). Louise taught in the public school system for several years 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 Anabaptist peace heritage lays a solid foundation for her efforts at the center, blending well with her passion for children, international students and picture books.
"Peace is not simply a goal to strive for; it can be a way of life. Teaching children that 'every act of kindness is an act of peace' (Mother Teresa of Calcutta) encourages action which can make a big difference in homes, classrooms, communities and ultimately the world." - Louise Matthews
Listed in Peace Registry through the Peace Alliance Foundation
www.peacealliancefound.org
Listed in Global Directory of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Programs
www.peacejusticestudies.org/globaldirectory
Listed in Peace and Justice Support Network of Mennonite Church USA
www.peace.mennolink.org/resources/peacereader/index.html
Our Collections:
5,600+ volumes of children's literature
1,000+ references and curriculum guides
135+ pieces of art work (including children's book illustrations, children's and fine art)
The William Keeney Peace Reference Collection for adults
Dr. John Roger Howe Memorial Music Collection
The Honda Outdoor Peace Sculpture Garden
70+ Mennonite Central Committee videos and DVDs
