Via Community News Service, in partnership with Vermont State University Castleton on assignment for the Rutland Herald
“Peace Train,” a vibrant symbol of unity and creativity, continues its journey through the heart of downtown Rutland after “station stops” at the Rutland Middle School, Grace Congregational church, Chaffee Art Center, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Rutland Free Library and, as of Monday, Sept. 15, the HUB CoWorks inside downtown’s Opera House.
“Something about the spirit of it, I just think it’s the coolest thing,” said Robert Black, local architect, teacher and facilitator artist.
International Day of Peace is right around the corner on Sept. 21, where people around the world take part in various activities and organize events centered on the theme of “peace”.
After a long journey, the “Peace Train” has found its way back home. The train belonged to OMYA before it was given to the Compass Music and Art Center in Brandon, Vt., where it stayed for 10 years. It was then gifted to Black.
“I was delighted when I heard that the ‘Peace Train’ was back in the home of Rutland,” said Mary Crowley, local art teacher and supporter of the 2006 ‘All Aboard Rutland’ train-inspired public art project.
Back in January, Black came to speak about his new Compassion and Community Project centered around the resurfacing of the “Peace Train.” Michelle Wilcox, an audience member at the talk and accreditation specialist at Rutland Regional Medical Center, said that when she heard Black say he was looking for his next stop, she thought it would be nice if it could come to the hospital.
“I think it is a bright, vibrant, and fun symbol to show compassion for the community,” Wilcox said.
In early April the train was delivered and parked by the Main Street core door near the Stratton Road entrance of the hospital and stayed until the end of August, where many community members saw it, saying that it helped them remember the original trains of the Rutland Railroad.
Local art teacher, Mary Crowley, said that when the train was stationed at the Grace Congregational, she had come up with church activities tied to peace, with hope to spread the importance of compassion and peace to young minds.
“Peace is something to strive for, and this train is a very clear representation of that,” Crowley said.
Sherri Birkheimer Rooker, executive director of Chaffee Art Center, shared feedback the train had there, too. She said the community has been very excited and welcoming to the talks surrounding the idea of compassion and community, finding them interesting and informative, allowing them to want to come and participate in events surrounding peace.
“Having the train as a symbol of peace in the Chaffee helps to put a focus on how much we appreciate the community,” Birkheimer Rooker said.
Jim Boughton, one of the two artists behind the train, explained that his idea for the design came to him when he was brainstorming and a Cat Stevens song came on.
“I knew I could do a lot with the hippie vibe,” Boughton said.
Starting off as just a plain blank wooden train, Boughton and his partner for the project, Mike Walker, decided to do modifications to the build; like rounding the top of the train, and adding a coal car to the back with peace sign figures acting as the coal.
“Peace is fueling the train,” Boughton said.
Boughton was very excited that a piece of art he had done so many years ago is still alive and inspiring people. He said projects like this help to pull the community together to celebrate something, and unite people.
Black continues to spread the awareness of compassion and peace through the Rutland community with the symbol of the “Peace Train.” Next stop is Rutland High School, where art teacher Maddie Pritchard said she is excited to create classes and workshops for students based on the train.
“It helps to remind people we have to live life in a peaceful way,” Crowley said.