Amazing Art - Peace Boxes

 With labels that read "Fragile: Contains Peace, Love or Hope," visual artist Franck de Las Mercedes began sending abstractly painted and seemingly empty boxes to anyone, anywhere in the world — completely free of charge. What started as a simple experiment in 2006 quickly became a global movement.

For over a decade, these hand-painted "Peace Boxes" traveled to more than 60 countries, reaching classrooms from PreK to college, appearing in galleries, museums, and libraries, and even lighting up Times Square's iconic LED screens. Each box did not contain a physical object, but it did contain something much more urgent: a symbolic invitation to reflect on peace, courage, and our individual ability to influence change.

  

Franck painted more than 18,000 boxes without ever charging for the work or shipping. The project was sustained by the artist's own resources, the generosity of followers, and a sponsorship of Pébéo's painting. Each box became a unique abstract painting and a platform for dialogue, merging contemporary art with social engagement.

 

Educators, community centers, and art therapy counselors in the United States and several countries adopted the Peace Boxes as an educational tool. In 2014, the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly recognized the bill with a joint legislative resolution for its cultural and humanitarian impact.

 

"We always expect something of value to come inside a box, but what if the box was empty and still contained something symbolic with a positive, challenging or inspiring message? I wanted to provoke reflection and create dialogue, so I started sending painted boxes to anyone who requested them — for free. Peace should be priceless. And art can be inclusive and accessible." — F. de las Mercedes

After ten extraordinary years, the project concluded in May 2016 — but its message continues to expand, inspiring new generations to create, question, and imagine peace as a shared responsibility.

 

Join the celebration by bringing the project to your classroom or community:

Download the Priority Boxes Project Lesson Plan, which includes free printable label templates, and create your own Peace Boxes with students, friends, or community groups.