Lion and Lamb
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. We do programming for audiences of all ages. 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
Our resources include children's literature, curriculum guides and teacher references and art work.
Art collection
Our art collection contains sculptures, fine art, children's artwork and original illustrations from picture books. The Honda Outdoor Peace Sculpture Garden is also a unique collection we have at the Lion and Lamb. 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, Heston, 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 Anabaptist peace heritage lays a solid foundation for her efforts at the center, complimenting her passion for children, international students and picture books.
Student assistant: Anna Miller
CENTER HOURS
The Lion and Lamb is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 - 11 a.m., 1 - 3 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The center is open for group and individual visits, and 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 
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.
"Swords to Plowshares" is also sold at the Kauffman Museum in Newton, Kan., where John Klassen's MCC original medallion is located.
The Lion and Lamb Peace Center is listed in
- Global Directory of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Programs
- Peace and Justice Support Network of Mennonite Church USA
- as a cooperating academic program of the Canadian School of Peacebuilding
- as a site of Peace Monuments
- Friends of Peace Monuments
- Peace Museums of the World
- WeGOPlaces
More about Dr. Libby Hostetler
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 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
The Lion and Lamb depends on financial contributions from those who share our vision for peace. To support our efforts financially, you may make checks payable to Bluffton University and send to:
The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center1 University Drive 50
Bluffton, OH 45817-2104