Organically curated, CARAVAN is up to the task. Perspectives on division were being changed by cultivating creative demonstrations of peacebuilding. The success of the first exhibition opened doors for more programming to happen.  

In 2013, CARAVAN began to focus on the symbol of the donkey and its role in the journey. A symbol of peace and compassion, they created an idea of an exhibition where they spread fiberglass donkeys throughout Cairo that had been painted by artists from all over the world to great acclaim. This art project culminated in their being shipped for a show in St. Paul Cathedral in London, where 100,000 visitors witnessed this exhibition of a beast of burden suddenly made light and beautiful by the power of art.   

Chandler counts Khalil Gibran as a spiritual guide for much of this work. A mystic, artist, and writer, Gibran has left his mark on many. His recent work, “In Search of a Prophet: A Spiritual Journey with Khalil Gibran,” is a measured, deliberate homage to a man who embodied the interfaith movement and its vital enmeshment with the arts.  

“[Gibran] is a unique figure as a spiritual guide. He tapped into a unique commonality with humankind,” shared Chandler over a phone call. “Gibran had a love for the mosaic, which is the life of humanity despite its differences.”   

The sometimes hard, sharp edges become a beautiful mosaic of life with the incredible love of each culture, race, and religion. As much as we would like to be all alone, we have been placed by a divine creator amongst those who believe and think more directly than we do. This grace creates a tapestry that will one day blanket the world. Although this work is hard to build trust with others, it is a worthwhile practice that yields an abundant crop of which the arts are only the beginning.