News Release

Students Offer Japanese ‘Paper Prayers’ for World AIDS Day

Nearly 200 decorated strips, on display Nov. 16 – Dec. 1, will be sold to benefit Family Service Association of Bucks County

Hundreds of “Paper Prayers” – artistically decorated strips reflecting an ancient Japanese custom – are being offered at Bucks County Community College’s Library Gallery in conjunction with World AIDS Day.

Nearly 200 paper prayers are expected to be displayed in the sixth annual exhibition, showing November 16 through December 1. It will conclude with a closing reception from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, when in commemoration of World AIDS Day, the “prayers” will be sold for a minimum donation of eight dollars to the Family Service Association of Bucks County. FSA provides prevention education, housing assistance, support groups, and other help to people infected by the HIV/AIDS virus.  

The tradition is derived from the Japanese practice of offering colorfully decorated strips of paper as a prayer for good health and well being.  Students and faculty have created and donated the 4-by-12-inch strips featuring a variety of media including handmade paper, printmaking, collage, poetry, photography, and 3-D materials.

“Paper Prayers” runs Nov. 16 – Dec. 1 at the BCCC Library at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown. Library hours are 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 – 5:30 p.m. Sunday (closed November 25 – 28). Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 215-504-8531