There has probably never been a better time to envision peace through the understanding of different cultures and belief systems. This Saturday, the Rubin Museum of Art offers that opportunity to children ages five through nine, along with their adult companions. After a tour of the exhibition, The Missing Peace: Artists and the Dalai Lama, there will be art conversations and sketching, followed by related art-making projects.

The exhibition features interpretive pieces by 88 contemporary artists from more than 25 countries including Laurie Anderson, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Chuck Close, Adam Fuss, Richard Gere, Jenny Holzer, Anish Kapoor, Kimsooja, Michal Rovner, Sebastiao Salgado, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Mike and Doug Starn, Bill Viola, and Katarina Wong. The only instruction given the artists was to create a work of art inspired by the life and message of the Dalai Lama. The artists responded, each in his or her own unique way, with a wide range of works in a variety of media, including photography, painting, textiles, animation, sculpture, video, and installation. The exhibition demonstrates the power of art to reveal our common humanity in new ways, and the freedom of the artistic imagination.

The Family Workshop Program, which goes from 2:00 to 3:30pm, is free with museum admission. Art materials will be provided. Call the Box Office (212.620.5000 x344) at least one hour before the program to register. Visit the Missing Peace website for more information about the artists and the project.

Illustrations, top to bottom: Installation by Susan Plum; Crystal Rock Man by Losang Gayatso; Portrait by Mike and Doug Starn.