OAK RIDGE COMMUNITY ART CENTER

OAK RIDGE, TN

International Friendship Bell Oak Ridge, Tennessee

International Friendship Bell 
A Symbol of Peace to a Town Borne of War

At nearly seven feet tall and five feet wide, the 8,300-pound bronze bell symbolizes peace and reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The concept of the bell came about when Oak Ridge residents Dr. Ram Uppuluri and his wife, Shigeko visited Japan in 1987 After seeing the value of a bonshō bell hanging in Buddhist Gannyu-ji Temple, they launched "Project Peace Bell."

Designed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1991 by Suzanna Harris and cast in Kyoto, Japan, in 1993 by renowned Japanese bell-maker Sotetsu Iwasawa, the relief panels display peaceful images inspired by Tennessee, Japan, as well as tragedies of war between the two nations.

Recognizing the potential significance of the bell, $750,000 in donations was ultimately raised to design, fabricate, deliver, and install the bell, by citizens and foundations in communities in both Japan, and in Oak Ridge.

The bell was not without controversy when it was dedicated in 1996. There were concerns over potential noise from the bell, as well as some interpreting it as an apology for destroying Hiroshima.

Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell in times of celebration and remembrance

"The bell was built to honor the workers of the Manhattan Project, to commemorate the 50th birthday of Oak Ridge, and to become a symbol and everlasting monument for the peace. The bell is for everyone, the young and the old. I feel something very special about this town, the town borne of war living for peace and growing through science." - Shigeko Yoshino Uppulur
International Friendship Bell Credit: rocbolt

Oak Ridge Community Art Center is a nonprofit organization located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The center is dedicated to promoting art and creativity in the community by providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and offering art classes and workshops for all ages.

The center offers a variety of classes and workshops, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. They also host exhibitions throughout the year featuring local and regional artists, as well as juried shows and competitions.

In addition to classes and exhibitions, Oak Ridge Community Art Center also offers summer camps for children and teens, outreach programs in local schools, and a gift shop featuring handcrafted items by local artists.

The center is housed in a historic building that has been renovated to include a gallery, classrooms, and studio spaces. It is open to the public and welcomes visitors of all ages and skill levels who are interested in exploring the world of art.

Overall, Oak Ridge Community Art Center plays an important role in fostering creativity and enriching the cultural life of the Oak Ridge community.

OAK RIDGE COMMUNITY ART CENTER is a Uncategorized or General Museum in OAK RIDGE TN. US MID #8404700042

The museum is classed as GMU (Uncategorized or General Museums). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Southeastern (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia).

Contact OAK RIDGE COMMUNITY ART CENTER

OAK RIDGE COMMUNITY ART CENTER

OAK RIDGE
TN
37831-3305

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OAK RIDGE COMMUNITY ART CENTER Information

MID # 8404700042
Name OAK RIDGE COMMUNITY ART CENTER
Alternate Name OAK RIDGE COMMUNITY ART CENTER
Classification Uncategorized or General Museums, , Southeastern
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 36.024959, -84.238512
CODES FIPS State Code: 47
FIPS County Code: 001
US Census Tract: 020202
US Census Block: 2052