The Rotary Club of San Jose has collaborated with local philanthropist Diane Brandenburg to bring the Seeds of Peace Monument to Arena Green West, located next to the SAP Center. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved the installation of the monument on October 7, 2023, marking a significant step towards promoting peace in the community.
Matt Braker, President of the Rotary Club of San Jose, noted that the proposal received overwhelming support from club members. Audrey Fox, President of the Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation, emphasized the project’s alignment with Rotary International’s primary focus on peace. “Mrs. Brandenburg couldn’t have brought us a better project,” she stated in a release.
Brandenburg approached the Rotary Club to establish a partnership aimed at enhancing the community’s engagement with the monument. The club plans to create an ongoing Rotary Peace Committee that will develop educational programs, host performances, and cultivate a reflective space for visitors.
The total cost for the monument’s design and fabrication, overseen by sculptor Mario Chiodo, is approximately $2 million, which Brandenburg will fund. In addition, the Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation aims to raise an extra $1.5 million to create a welcoming civic area around the monument. This will include improving lighting, sound, and visibility, as well as landscaping that invites public interaction. The funds will also support the installation process and infrastructure for safety, along with features to recognize donors.
The anticipated installation date for the Seeds of Peace Monument is late fall 2026. Donations to support the project can be directed to the RCSJ Foundation, located at 1690 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112.
In related community news, the exhibit “Maps to Heaven,” featuring works by artist Jemal Diamond, is currently on display at Visual Philosophy, 1065 The Alameda, through December 5, 2023. Diamond describes his series of acrylic drawings and paintings as a blend of improvisational style with intentional pathways, each piece rich in mystery and storytelling.
