Bluffton University's Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center is celebrating its 25th year in 2011-12 with several events, including a conference for children Oct. 21 and 22.

"Celebration of Peace: A Bridge Between Us" is aimed at students in grades 3-7 who want to impact their communities and the world through positive attitudes and actions. They will consider the significance of common ground between people, and learn to build "bridges" of understanding and acceptance, through music, stories, art, cooperative games and multinational interaction.

Coming to the conference as guest musician is singer-songwriter Bryan Moyer Suderman, a former youth pastor, teacher and overseas mission worker from Canada.

Co-sponsored by the university and Mennonite Central Committee/Great Lakes, the two-day event will open Friday evening, Oct. 21, and close at 7:30 p.m. the following night with a program in Yoder Recital Hall. The closing program is free and open to the public.

Cost to attend the conference is $45 for those registered by Sept. 26 (and $35 for each additional child from the same family); $55 if registered by Oct. 4; and $75 after Oct. 4.

The number of participants is limited to 75. For more information or to register, visit www.bluffton.edu/lionlamb/bridges/ or contact Louise Matthews, Lion and Lamb director, at 419-358-3207 or [email protected].

Other 25th-year events at the center this fall include open house receptions on Sept. 21, World Peace Day, and Oct. 1, Homecoming Saturday on campus.

In the spring, Jane Kurtz, an author of books for young people, will speak at Bluffton on April 3, and the university's Musselman Library will host a Lion and Lamb event on Saturday, May 5, during the annual May Day weekend celebration.

Comprising the latter event will be a presentation-including the center's founder, Elizabeth "Libby" Hostetler-and a display in the library's Nord Room, where the Lion and Lamb began in 1987.

In addition, the first of a series of short video clips highlighting artwork at the center can now be seen online at www.bluffton.edu/lionlamb/art/. The Lion and Lamb's newest art is by 2011 Bluffton graduate Megan Yoder.

"As we celebrate the Lion and Lamb's 25 years of promoting peace through programs and resources, we aim to provide opportunities for children as well as students and adults," Matthews said. "Peacemaking is relevant for all of us in our homes as well as in our local and global communities."