29 Pieces

29 Pieces uses art to awaken, uplift and give voice to the creative human spirit to grow genuine, positive social change. It's not easy. But it is working.

The seeds of 29 Pieces were planted with a bullet, the bullet that murdered a man in front of Karen Blessen's house. A Pulitzer prize winning journalist and illustrator, Karen reacted to the tragedy using the tools of her profession. The result was a piece that she wrote and illustrated for the Dallas Morning News, exploring the act of violence and tracing the path of its impact on the victim's fa

mily, the killer's family, the law enforcement community and the community at large. Karen soon realized that telling the story wasn't the end of her responsibility; it was the beginning. She had to act to help keep the narrative from repeating itself over and over. Once again, she turned to a tool she knew—art—with hopes of using its power as a catalyst for peace. Engaging, involving and inspiring our community's youth to learn, share and live the lessons of peace became the unifying goal of the organization known as 29 Pieces. Since its inception in 2005, 29 Pieces has grown in number and impact. Our workshops and classroom curricula have helped tens of thousands of students and adults develop their creativity and their love of peace. Our Dallas Love project used art to turn the city-of-hate perception upside down during the Kennedy assassination's 50th anniversary year. Our Piece 24 project united a coalition of business leaders, community leaders and local schools to help students create a 17-foot sculpture—a monument to peace that will have a permanent place within the community. What all 29 Pieces efforts have in common is the use of art as the power source for beating swords into plowshares and planting new seeds of peace. It takes a lot of volunteers and supporters to make it work. We see the new green sprouts. And while nothing we do will right the wrong of the murder that started this process, we can change what happens next.

02/14/2026

All of us at 29 Pieces wish you a day, a year, a lifetime of giving and receiving rivers of LOVE. Happy Valentine's Day 2026! (Design and words by Peter Wood. Art by artists across the country for the 29 Pieces American LOVE Project.)

12/31/2025

As we enter 2026, we in 29 Pieces would like to thank everyone who has helped make our work possible for the past 20 years! We are connected in this beautiful endeavor and we thank the donors, the educators, the board members, the staff, the bookkeepers and accountants, the exhibit locations, the press, the professional artists, the designers, the thousands of young student artists, the volunteers, and anyone who I might be forgetting! In the graphic below, you'll see images of some of the major projects we've done since 2005. We did this work together and it has been one of the great joys of my life. I hope you feel this sense of pride and joy as well. I personally thank you, and we, the Board of Directors of 29 Pieces, thanks you. We wish you a New Year robust with health, peace, and the joy and healing of creativity. With love and gratitude, Karen Blessen, Founder and Executive Artistic Director, 29 Pieces

12/10/2025

Thich Nhat Hanh was a Buddhist Monk and spiritual leader known for his works on mindfulness and peace. In the Planet Earth Love Project lesson, we learn about inspirational people who give us hope for a kinder world.

“True love is like the sun, shining with its own light, and offering that light to everyone. ” - Thich Nhat Hanh

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

12/03/2025

The Planet Earth Love Project is based on four pillars. Pillar 3 states: ART HAS THE POWER to awaken and educate hearts, uplift our voices, and make positive social change.

In what ways does art give voice to the unseen?

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

11/29/2025

We at 29 Pieces would like to honor the life and legacy of Jane Goodall. Through her memory may we live and create a better Planet Earth for tomorrow.

“I want you to think about the fact we are part, when we're on Planet Earth, we are part of Mother Nature.”
— Jane Goodall

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

11/28/2025

We at 29 Pieces would like to honor the life and legacy of Jane Goodall. Through her memory may we live and create a better Planet Earth for tomorrow.

“You have it in your power to make a difference. Don't give up. There is a future for you. Do your best while you're still on this beautiful Planet Earth” — Jane Goodall

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

11/26/2025

We at 29 Pieces would like to honor the life and legacy of Jane Goodall. Through her memory may we live and create a better Planet Earth for tomorrow.

“We are part of the natural world, and even today where the planet is dark, there still is hope.” — Jane Goodall

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

11/25/2025

We at 29 Pieces would like to honor the life and legacy of Jane Goodall. Through her memory may we live and create a better Planet Earth for tomorrow.

“What message do I want to leave? I want to make sure that you all understand that each and every one of you has a role to play. You may not know it, you may not find it, but your life matters, and you are here for a reason.” – Jane Goodall

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

11/19/2025

For example: To some, LOVE can be the highest form of happiness they experience.

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

11/14/2025

We will create a global art gallery of The Planet Earth Love Project art! Add your art on Instagram: Upload art, project and exhibit photos and videos to Instagram: Use this hashtag on all uploads:
Be sure to tag us @29 Pieces
Please include the artist's name, title of art, artist’s location, and an artist’s statement.

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

11/10/2025

The Planet Earth Love Project is based on four pillars.

Pillar 2 states: NATURE TEACHES US LESSONS of patience, tolerance, resilience, and symbiosis. Nature’s relationships in the ecosystem remind us how to live amongst one another in balance.

Why is balance necessary in nature? What happens when things are out of balance?

Be part of the Planet Earth Love Project! Learn how to create your own artwork by visiting https://29pieces.org/the-planet-earth-love-project/

Address

Dallas, TX

Telephone

+12147701219

Website

http://www.29pieces.org/

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