For NJ-area Warrior Writers, this powerful exhibition looks like something well worth attending, and maybe even reading or exhibiting some of your work. Check it out!

The Costs of War

A Call for Poetry and Works of Art Depicting the Human and Financial Costs of War

The mounting costs of war over the past decade are staggering. More than 4,436 US troops and over 1 million civilians have been killed in Iraq and over 32,009 US troops have been wounded (www.icasualties.org). Casualties in Afghanistan and Pakistan have also been horrendous. The US has spent over $1 trillion on these wars since 2001. Bergen County, NJ’s portion of that cost to taxpayers is an estimated $6.5 billion (www.costofwar.com). Across America, local and state governments hit by cuts in federal grants are laying off teachers and police officers, cutting funding for schools and colleges. High unemployment in an economy drained by wars and domestic fiscal crises continues to be disastrous for millions of Americans families—and is higher still for young military veterans.

To address this tragic state of our nation, a grassroots presentation on the human and financial costs of war will be held at the Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck. The public art exhibit by people in the Northern New Jersey-New York area will be from March 15-April 8, 2011. The exhibit will feature art and poetry by adults and children, war veterans and military family members, about the human and financial costs of war.

On Sunday, March 20, the 8^th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, there will be a cultural event at the Puffin: Looking at the Costs of War Through the Arts. This event will feature local poets, rap and spoken word artists, singers and musicians.

Here are ways you can participate or help with the exhibit and cultural event:

· Submit your own works of art or poetry. Send an e-mail describing the content and size of your work. Attach a copy or photo if possible.

· Contact math teachers (re the financial costs of war), writing and art teachers to encourage them to have interested students submit work.

· Contact community, veteran, labor, and religious groups to encourage members to submit work.

· Encourage your organization to co-sponsor this event.

· Help with installation of the exhibit or help with publicity.

All works of art should be focused specifically on the human and/or the financial costs of war. There will be a screening of all submissions because of space concerns. For more information, inquiries, or to submit work, write to

Thecostsofwar@gmail.com.