What's Happening

October 13, 2015, Adrian, Michigan – Long seen as symbols of peace, folded cranes have taken on a new meaning in recent months: the strong connection between the people of Iraq persecuted by ISIS and people of North America concerned for the safety and well-being of the Iraqi refugees. 

Coinciding with the August 6, 2015 one-year anniversary of the flight of Dominican Sisters of Iraq, their families, and other Christian and minority Iraqis, Adrian Dominican artists launched a website, www.1000cranesforiraq.org, featuring cranes created by the artists to support the refugee relief efforts of the Iraqi Dominican Sisters. Cranes are still available for adoption with a $100 donation made through the website.

Since January, Sister Barbara Cervenka, OP, has been creating one oil painting per day depicting a folded crane; she intends to paint 1,000 folded cranes. Sister Janet Wright has created water color paintings of actual cranes, and Sister Sue Schreiber has taken photographs of people with the folded cranes. 

To date, about 106 cranes have been purchased. The project has spawned a great deal of creativity, as well as support and concern for the Iraqi refugees. The cranes have been purchased in memory or in honor of loved ones; for organizations such as parishes, Bible study groups, and Adrian Dominican Mission Councils; and in recognition of weddings and other special events.

To make a donation and select your crane, visit the 1,000 Cranes for Iraq website.