There's an eternal question that everyone seems to get asked at least once in their life: "If you could wish for anything at all, what would it be?" Obviously, there is no shortage of those who would wish for health, wealth or true love - but probably the number one answer has always been and will continue to be "World peace."

The irony, of course, is that we would ultimately have to acknowledge that it is more of a beautiful dream than an achievable goal - as all it takes is one powerful person in power to start yet another war. But if there is one thing we should never stop doing, it's encouraging young people to keep holding on to that dream - because youthful idealism should never, ever be discouraged.

Few people are more keenly aware of this than Tsipi Ben-Haim, the venerable founder of CITYarts, whose New York City based organization works tirelessly with underprivileged youth to elevate their sense of well-being through collaborative art projects. Those projects have the intention of beautifying the world around them, and thus also contribute to the well-being of everyone who comes into contact with the finished works - usually public murals with universally uplifting messages.

Their latest project is a particularly profound one, titled 'Pieces for Peace'. Debuting as a series back in 2004, in response to the terrible events of 9/11, at that time young people were asked to create a work of art which earnestly conveys what the word "peace" means to them as an individual. It ultimately became an annual event.

The newest installment is showing currently as a group exhibition at Vermont's Manchester Community Library. It collectively transmits a message that has been proven to be astonishingly motivating - as so many of the kids visiting the exhibit were inspired to create their own artistic projection of peace, and add it to the existing collection.

We engaged both Tsipi and Paige Vignola, Assistant Director of Education & Community Engagement at the Manchester Community Library, to get a deeper insight into the long-term success of 'Pieces for Peace'.

What was the initial inspiration for the 'Pieces for Peace' exhibit?

Tsipi: It was created under CITYarts' Young Minds Build Bridges program following the tragic events of 9/11. Students in NYC were asking me: "Why are they doing this to us?"

Why is this exhibit so timely even now?

Tsipi: This exhibition is very important and timely right now, since the world and the USA are in deep need of coming together for peace; we always must think of the next generation of leaders, which are our youth today. The more bridges we build between them through our nation and around the world, the more everyone will benefit for a better life.

Paige: Is there ever a time when peace is not a relevant topic? The fact that the 50 States of Peace project asks local students to visualize and create works that reflect their understanding and vision of what peace looks like, offers the opportunity for creative expression focusing on optimism and hope for a brighter future.

What are some of the highlights for you?

Paige: I love seeing the different depictions and interpretations stemming from the same prompt. Each creator is a unique individual; and while there are some tropes common across the scope of the works, there is also space for real innovative creation.

Tsipi: The highlight has been seeing the beautiful visions and expressions of peace from over 12,000 artworks that we've collected globally, about 5,000 nationally. Each is entirely unique and gives me hope and faith; but this is just a start. We need to encourage our youth to put their peace and vision on paper, and at the same time become actively positive people in their communities.

Have you found that the young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them?

Paige: I have found that children have highly varied ideas of what peace means to them. Some of them interpret the prompt as “What brings me peace?” and some “What does peace look like?”. There are images as varied as pets, mountains, fishing, cars, superheroes...and in one instance a highly detailed line drawing of an imaginary cityscape.

Tsipi: Children, and especially the youth from ages 12-20, have amazing ideas, in many ways more than even adults do. It comes naturally to them through curiosity. Unfortunately, it is being crushed when we become adults, because it seems like too much of a risk to take. Therefore, I always say, anytime we have a problem, we need to bring our youth to the table. They always positively surprise me with what they have to say.

Tell us about the artwork submissions that local kids have created in response to seeing the works curated by CITYarts.

Paige: Many of the pieces that have been created by local students are reflective of the Vermont landscape, showing an interesting connection between the environment and peace.

Why are libraries such great incubators of creativity, especially youth creativity?

Paige: Libraries are known for being dedicated to the mission of providing free and equal access to information for all members of a community. When one comes into a library there is no curriculum or expectation, allowing individuals, particularly youth, to feel more free to express their creativity. As our library functions as an after school safe third space, we offer activities that vary from art to STEM, and provide youth the supplies and opportunities they need to be themselves.

Tsipi: Libraries are places that encourage reading and bring people together of all ages to have conversations about the community. There is no better gift than the library.