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8ce56ff8-1812-4290-940e-65c8637c3e10 < Back ACB Series: Three Steps in Conflict Resolution (Air-Clarify-Brainstorm) 1/1 "All the 480 students of Rappahannock County High School (RCHS) were invited to work on these three 8' x 8' portables murals in 1996 with the introduction of the peer mediation program. The content of the murals are three simple steps in Conflict Resolution developed by Dr. Martha Harty of Carnegie Mellon University: Air the Viewpoints, Clarify the Needs, Brainstorm Solutions. The students drew upon their experience with conflict to generate images for each mural, gaining skills in research, drawing, design, painting, rendering three-dimensional images in paint and teamwork. They had the opportunity to transform difficult experiences (which most conflicts are) into powerful visual statements and gain compassion for their classmates. The murals served as inspiration for the creation of an original play by RCHS English students called ""Rumble in the Mountain - A Geological Fable of Conflict and Resolution"" (put link). The image for ""Brainstorming Solutions"" was a ying-yang symbol which grew out of a senior's statement ""Out of earthquakes, mountains are born"", which inspired the geological analogy The murals and plays were featured in ""Teaching Tolerance Magazine"", which resulted in 8 students traveling to Los Angels to see Mira Loma High Schools version of Rumble in the Mountain. They also assisted in conflict resolution training. The murals were exhibited at the United Nations and the U.S. Senate. A long term goal is to create murals with teens throughout the United States and in other parts of the world, each with the same basic structural format and unique content. The murals would be exhibited together." Rappahannock County, VA, USA Previous Next

31f8ec72-8364-4130-b290-d91c109ecad2 Back to Gallery Mural # 76 The McKinley Singing Tree of One Heart 1/1 A mini-Singing Tree at McKinley Elementary School in Burlingame, CA completed today. 100 kids during recess two days in a row. Such a positive school community. First time honoring a bulldog mascot!! I'm excited to partner with Michelle Holdt and Arts Ed Matters in this project. We're celebrating Art Education Month . Date: September 13, 2019 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Art Education Month Arts Ed Matters Location: Burlingame, CA, USA Previous Next

8a687f0b-7e01-4c0c-8062-8e2d94755f30 Back to Gallery Mural # 82 Howard Elementary School’s Restorative Justice Mural 1/1 The Howard Elementary School Restorative Justice Singing Tree. We began it in Oakland with only two months together. Funded by the California Arts Council , t he Peaceful World Foundation , Oakstop and Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth . "Criminal Justice sees crime as broken laws and justice as punishment. Restorative justices sees crime as broken lives and justice as healing. Forgiveness is neither required or guaranteed in Restorative Justice. Nor is it a determinant of success. Success happens in well-prepared and well-facilitated encounters where persons who have been harmed feel safe enough to freely share their stories and express their needs and persons causing harm tell the truth, express remorse and responsibility and offer reparations. Success continues when all parties together fashion a plan to repair harm that is actually carried out. This may - or may not - lead to forgiveness. Either way, Restorative Justice has done its job." Fania Davis, The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice (Davis founded Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth ) Date: June 26, 2020 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall and Lili Lopez Partners: California Arts Council Peaceful World Foundation Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth Location: 8755 Fontaine St, Oakland, CA 94605, USA Previous Next

d1206e88-e550-4093-9d77-54deb8ef9441 Back to Gallery Mural # 53 Mt Shasta Singing Tree 1/1 Mt. Shasta Singing Tree Date: March 30, 2015 Facilitator: Andrea Marchyok Partners: NA Location: Mt Shasta, CA 96067, USA Previous Next

c1ed4fe1-981b-48de-8aad-23b28dbdca42 Back to Gallery Mural # 128 The Singing Tree of Creating Creative Community 1/1 Co-created with the Creative Learning Center’s 17 Teaching Artists and staff in Roswell, New Mexico. Facilitated by Laurie Marshall “I came away from the professional development experience committed to being more creative, less judgmental and more proactive.” - Marie Manning, Elementary Teaching Artist Date: November 23, 2023 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Creative Learning Center Location: Roswell, NM, USA Previous Next

5702e785-026c-4d70-b32e-1433cc3765c9 Back to Gallery Mural # 33 The Banyan Singing Tree of Interfaith Movement 1/1 The 32nd Singing Tree - the Banyan Singing Tree of United Religions. A culminating project for 25 young people from around the world in Leadership Training program. Date: April 8, 2014 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall and Ross Holzman Partners: United Religions Initiative Location: San Francisco, CA, USA Previous Next

f9f327c2-3a31-43c0-a99a-3ea6b397fe2b Back to Gallery Mural # 140 Olive Singing Tree Mural of Becoming 1/1 This mural is the second in a series dedicated to fostering peace and understanding on the island of Cyprus, co-led by 8 artists and activists in training to become Singing Tree Mural facilitators. They were from the north and south of the divided country. Now two murals - The Cyprus Singing Tree of Peace , and The Cyprus Singing Tree of Belonging reside on the exterior wall of the UNFICYP headquarters in the Buffer Zone. People contributed from cafes in the north and south, families from a refuge camp and young adults attending an overnight fire ceremony. Date: November 13, 2024 Facilitator: Dr. Katia Petersen, Edward Schudlt, Laurie Marshall Partners: Visual Voices Location: Cyprus Island Previous Next

1f7282f5-3f06-467f-9d93-2f5c86a47b71 Back to Gallery Mural # 13 Gratitude Singing Tree 1/1 The Gratitude Singing Tree included 80 members of NASA’s Creative Learning Group at the Goddard Space Facility in Maryland. This learning community was facilitated by Master Coach Joan Wangler . She and Laurie Marshall brought the Singing Tree Mural Project to NASA with the theme of “Space to Grow.” The design was inspired by a painting of Saint Hildegard of Bingen , exploring a tree growing through four seasons. The participants expressed their thanks for the quality of each season: Winter - rest and introspection, Spring - new beginnings, Summer - steady growth, Fall, the harvest. There are hands holding a seed at the center of the painting. Date: August 5, 2007 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: NASA, Goddard Space Center Joan Wangler Location: 8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA Previous Next

42dfaa4c-7f0d-4763-8ed5-7a9f6cec2973 Back to Gallery Mural # 90 Apple Singing Tree of Nourishment 1/1 Work in Progress Date: May 1, 2021 Facilitator: Anu Khatkani Partners: NA Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Previous Next

efc5b8c9-6bc4-4d73-b71d-4b7af96f7045 Back to Gallery Mural # 120 The Ancestor Singing Tree to Protect Future Fruits 1/1 The mural was co-designed and painted by the 6th Co-Heart of Singing Tree Facilitators starting in April,2023. The Co-Heart was made up of people from the University of Pittsburgh's Fulbright Expedition to Kenya led by educational anthropologist Dr. Maureen Porter. In addition, teaching Artist Ernesto Armando Guambe of Maputo, Mozambique, Tilji John , Masai elder of Kenya and four facilitators in El Paso, Texas and one in Napa, California joined the “Peace Building Through Art” training program. The children and the earth’s eco-systems are the "Future Fruits.” 12 books are included as a way to protect the children. The United States, Mexico, Europe and Africa are portrayed to symbolize the heritages and journey of members of the co-heart. Ernesto sent his drawings of the giraffe, lion and snake via email, which were then painted by Co-Heart members in El Paso. The animals are directing their attention to the baby in the womb of the Willow tree. The El Paso desert landscape is also portrayed. The elder man and woman emerge out of the tree roots and the river flowing from the roots surrounds the heart. Date: August 7, 2023 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: University of Pittsburgh Isaac Art and Wellness Center International Cities of Peace Location: El Paso, TX, USA Previous Next

4eace564-2a55-4047-b136-aa99de246605 Back to Gallery Mural # 102 The Olive Singing Tree of Evolving Elders 1/1 At least 54 million Americans are over 65. How can this population, which I am a part of, use our experience to be in service to each other and the younger generations? Sage-ing International answers this question with the motto "Wisdom and Spirit in Action." I had the privilege of facilitating "The Olive Singing Tree of Evolving Elders" for their inspiring summit on Oct. 29-31st. The theme of the conference was "Growing From I to We" and included keynote speakers Michael Meade , Clyde Ford and Amikaeyla Gaston . -Laurie Marshall Date: November 3, 2021 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Sage-ing International Location: San Francisco, CA, USA Previous Next

a7d84174-5bbf-4a21-93c8-2dfee1441fd1 Back to Gallery Mural # 2 Maple Singing Tree of Appreciation 1/1 The Maple Tree of Appreciation, made with Mt. Lebanon and Peabody High School, Pittsburgh, PA. Driving question: What do you love on this earth? 8' x 12 2002 Date: June 16, 2002 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Mt. Lebanon Peabody High School Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA Previous Next

International Day of Peace Celebration Sat. September 23, 2023 Time & Location Saturday, Sep 23, 10:00am - 8:00pm This event will be held at Keystone Heritage Park, El Paso, 4200 Doniphan Road, El Paso, TX 79912, USA About the Event Unity Through Creativity and InterFaith Alliance of the Southwest invite you to El Paso's International Day of Peace Celebration . The festivities will be part of over 4500 celebrations nationwide of the 41st anniversary of the UN’s Peace Day holiday. It will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Declaration of the Universal Rights of Man. The focus of the day at Keystone will be on Peace Within, Peace With Each Other and Peace with the Earth with family friendly activities; exhibition; music; art exhibitions; art-making; short and exciting talks; dancing; practical skill development and ceremony. The gathering will also commemorate El Paso as the Veteran’s Capital of the U.S. and becoming an International City of Peace . To register to be a vendor click here. To register to speak or perform click here. Speakers Performers Vendors Schedule El Paso County Commissioner's proclaimed El Paso as part of the International Cities of Peace network with Unity Through Creativity's support. The language of the resolution was crafted by an intergenerational, intercultural team made up of people from the Interfaith Alliance of the Southwest, Eco-El Paso and Unity Through Creativity. Please take the time to read the Resolution here. Speakers, Performers, and Artists Speakers/Peformers Paul Chappell Paul K. Chappell is an international peace educator and founder of Peace Literacy. He graduated from West Point, was deployed to Iraq, and left active duty as a Captain. Realizing that humanity is facing new challenges that require us to become as well-trained in waging peace as soldiers are in waging war, Chappell created Peace Literacy to help students and adults from all backgrounds work toward their full potential and a more peaceful world. Anna Marie Rosales Anna Marie Rosales is a Texas native singer/songwriter. She will be performing at 7:00pm. Music & Mindfulness Bettina Escudero, expert meditation teacher of Paso del Norte Mindfulness Consulting, using soothing music by El Paso Pro-Musica. Tawanda Chabikwa Movement Facilitator, Professor, Dance and Theater Department, UTEP Fernanda Lugo Fernanda is a certified yoga teacher, health scholar specializing in behavioral sciences and environmental health. She will be hosting yoga sessions and speaking on Greening El Paso. Grupo Folklorico Valle del Sol Grupo Folklorico Valle del Sol Mexican ballet folklorico dancing. For the first time the brand new children’s company will perform. They will be performing at 5:00pm. Laurie Marshall Laurie Marshall is an Author, Innovator and Artist who empowers youth and adults through creative collaboration. Stephen Niamke A longtime community organizer and nonviolence trainer from Roanoke, VA, Stephen has joined the staff as National Field Organizer for Pax Christi.Grounded in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching, Pax Christi USA is a membership organization that rejects war, preparation for war, every form of violence and domination, and personal and systemic racism. Pastor Michael Grady Pastor Michael Grady is the former President of El Paso's NAACP. He will be speaking at 1:00 pm on “Ending Racism, Building Peace.” Lynn Provenzano Meditation Leader, Director of UTEP's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Hal Marcus Hal Marcus is an artist who has been painting for over 40 years and has been a long-term supporter of the Vegetarian community in El Paso. Hal will be speaking at 6:00pm. Melissa Rosado and Mitzy Lira Melissa Vera Rosado is pursuing a BFA in dance as well as studying theater tech and production at UTEP. Mitzy Lira is a current undergraduate student studying dance and studio art with a concentration in graphic design. They will both be performing a dance piece called Meliorism. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Social Dancers The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Social Dancers are a tribal dance group which aim to educate audiences about Tigua heritage and culture. Neema Soratgar Neema Soratgar was an instructor in higher education for 20 years in Afghanistan. Narrowly escaping with her life, she brought her two children to El Paso to be a visiting Research Scholar in Women’s Studies. Devon Peña Professor, farmer, author, environmental and food justice defender and protector. He is founder and president of the Acequia Institute a non-profit grant-making foundation supporting environmental & food justice. Home is a 181-acre acequia farm in Viejo San Acacio, CO and is located on Nuchu - Dinè - Tewa - Genizarx lands and waters. Aurolyn Luykx Facilitator of the Day, UTEP's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Daniel Carey-Whalen Host of the Day, Director of the Centennial Museum G'beda T. Lyles G’beda has a musical background rooted in African, Latin American, Mariachi, and Middle Eastern folk traditions. Her vocal style is a marriage of gospel, funk, soul, and folk. She will be performing at 7:00pm. CW2 (Ret) David Garcia Advocate for veterans, families, active duty and widows throughout El Paso, Texas, CW2(Ret) David Garcia will speak about El Paso County as the Veteran Capital of the USA Segundo Barrio Futbol Club The mission of SBFC , “is to seek to use soccer as a tool for social change by developing programs that foster the physical, mental, and emotional growth and development of boys and girls in El Paso's Segundo Barrio neighborhood and beyond” Grandma Bea Grandma Bea , Beatriz Villegas (Ilhuicatlahuili-Bea), is an elder from Ciudad Juárez, México. She will be doing the opening ceremony at 10:00am. Mónica Gómez Mónica Gómez has made her living as a writer, performing songwriter, voice talent, creative writing teacher, martial arts instructor, television and radio broadcaster. She will be the Emcee for this event. Danza Azteca Omecoatl Aztec Dance Dr. Hilda Ontiveros Director of Women’s and Gender Studies, University of Texas at El Paso Luis “Sito” Negron Luis “Sito” Negron, representing Commissioner David Stout, worked professionally as a reporter, editor, and writer for more than two decades, covering politics, policy, and culture. For the past decade he has worked as a communications and policy aide for elected officials at the state and local level. Stephanie Ruiz Stephanie worked as an Art Teacher at La Fe Preparatory School and studied Pre-Nursing before pursuing a BFA with two concentrations in Graphic Design and Sculpture at UTEP. She will be exhibiting sculptures and paintings, which are a reflection of her identity as a Latin/Indigenous woman. Gbenga Asedeko Gbenga Asedeko is a motivational speaker, author, trainer, life coach and entrepreneur who's dedicated to propelling people toward greatness. Gbenga will be focusing on “Peace Within”, delivering a talk meant to inspire action and support a purpose-driven life. Vendors Vendors Raindrop Turkish House El Paso The Raindrop Foundation aims to cultivate friendship and promote understanding of diverse cultures through its unique services to the community. Food will be be provided by Raindrop Turkish House and Krishna Kitchen . Pax Christi El Paso Pax Christi El Paso serves as a local forum for the study of and public witness to Christian non-violence. Dragon's Garden Dragon's Gardens mission is to "Preserve nature through Art" and teach our neighbors and peers how the art of Bonsai can enlighten us to "Water your Garden" no matter what walk of life you're traveling. No Lost Food No Lost Food makes sure food doesn't go to landfill and is redistributed to feed people in need. CASA of El Paso CASA of El Paso trains and supports volunteers from the community to advocate for abused and neglected children who need representation in the family court system, striving to find them a safe and permanent home. Chihuahan Desert Climate Collaborative The City of El Paso has decided to lead a regional approach to developing our area’s first-ever Climate Action Plan. This regional group is known as the Chihuahuan Desert Climate Collaborative (CDCC). UTEP Theater and Dance The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas-El Paso is made up of diverse artists and scholars whose devotion to exceptional teaching, service, creative practice, and research aligns with the University mission by contributing to the quality of life in El Paso, the surrounding region, and beyond. Zaragoza Rotary Club Rotary District 5520 is one of the many districts comprising Rotary International, a global humanitarian organization that promotes peace, goodwill, and community service. Dialogue Institute The Dialogue Institute of the Southwest is dedicated to eliminating stereotypes, intolerance, and prejudices through direct human interaction. InterFaith Alliance InterFaith Alliance of the Southwest Is one of the hosts of this event. It is a group of faith leaders dedicated to furthering interfaith dialogue among our various faiths. Borderland Rainbow Center Borderland Rainbow Center creates community space in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex (LGBTQI) people and their allies can heal, grow, and empower themselves and others. Unity Community Unity Community has over a decade of hands-on experience spanning diverse fields such as organic farming, soil building, permaculture design, natural construction, aquascaping, and more. The League of Women Voters of El Paso The League of Women Voters of El Paso is a non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering and educating individuals about their rights and responsibilities in the democratic process. We work to promote civic engagement, voter registration, and provide valuable information on important issues. Desert Spoon Food Hub Desert Spoon Food Hub was established in 2015 with a mission to build a more local and inclusive food system. UTEP College of Liberal Arts The college offers 36 bachelor’s, 24 master’s, and four Ph.D. degrees in the fine and performing arts, the humanities, and the social and behavioral sciences. Abara Abara holds Border Encounter Experiences for groups across the country and provides resources to migrant shelters with needed supplies. Unity Through Creativity Unity Through Creativity is one of the hosts of this event. Its mission is to empower youth and adults through creativity collaboration. Isaac Center The mission of the Isaac Center is to help individuals discover and connect with their inner creative. Krishna Kitchen Krishna Kitchen’s main goal is providing cooked Sanctified food to those in the local community. Food will be be provided by Raindrop Turkish House and Krishna Kitchen Music & Mindfulness Join Bettina Escudero, expert meditation teacher of Paso del Norte Mindfulness Consulting, on a journey to Embrace Peace in Our Hearts, using soothing music by El Paso Pro-Musica inviting participants to experience the meditation with their full being. Project Regeneracion We are driven by our commitment to restore historic homes, empower residents, and celebrate the cultural traditions that define this unique corner of El Paso. CASA Auto We work hard to earn your trust, make sure we understand what you need, and build a connection based on those needs–not our profit margin. Eco El Paso Eco El Paso is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on sustainability in the hot-arid climate of El Paso and the surrounding region. Volar Volar CIL provides services and supports to people with disabilities and their support network. Manos de Luz Manos de Luz is a husband/wife team of naturopathic healers practicing massage therapy, traditional Islamic medicine (hijama) & birth work. Studio Nectary Studio Nectary is a landscape design & consulting practice that facilitates creative collaboration through a participatory planning and design process. Centennial Museum The museums focus is on the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert region, the largest desert in North America. YWCA For 115 years, the mission of YWCA El Paso del Norte Region is eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Women's and Gender Studies Program The mission of the Women’s Studies Program is to provide the interdisciplinary study of women's experiences, emphasizing historical, contemporary, and future issues concerning women and men. Schedule Schedule 10:00am 11:00am 11:10am 11:20am 11:30am 12:00pm 12:10pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:15pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:10pm 4:20pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm Grandma Bea - Opening Ceremony Neema Soratgar was an instructor in higher education for 20 years in Afghanistan. Narrowly escaping with her life, she brought her two children to El Paso to be a visiting Research Scholar in Women’s Studies. Laurie Marshall , Founder of Unity Through Creativity will speak. She and Neema will unveil The Afghan Singing Tree Mural of Women’s Strength and Freedom. CW2 (Ret) David Garcia is an advocate for veterans, families, active duty and widows throughout El Paso, Texas. He will speak about El Paso County as the Veteran Capital of the USA . Luis “Sito” Negron , representing Commissioner David Stout, worked professionally as a reporter, editor, and writer for more than two decades, covering politics, policy, and culture. For the past decade he has worked as a communications and policy aide for elected officials at the state and local level. He is active in community affairs and lives in Sunset Heights, El Paso. Gbenga Asedeko is a motivational speaker, author, trainer, life coach and entrepreneur who's dedicated to propelling people toward greatness. Gbenga will be focusing on “Peace Within”, delivering a talk meant to inspire action and support a purpose-driven life. Gbenga is from Southern Nigeria and speaks the Yoruba language. He’s been in El Paso for 26 years. Join Bettina Escudero , expert meditation teacher of Paso del Norte Mindfulness Consulting , on a journey to Embrace Peace in Our Hearts, using soothing music by El Paso Pro-Musica inviting participants to experience the meditation with their full being. Segundo Barrio Futbol Demonstration Fernanda Lugo - Greening El Paso and Just Money Melissa and Mitzy will be performing a dance piece called Meliorism, the belief that the world can be made better by human effort. Melissa Vera Rosado is pursuing a BFA in dance as well as studying theater tech and production at UTEP. It is her passion to be an artistic director and choreographer. Mitzy Lira is an undergraduate student studying dance and studio art with a concentration in graphic design. She is also minoring in painting. She loves to work and create with others. Mitzy has worked as a muralist, illustrator, photographer, painter, and performer. Vendor Presentation The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Social Dancers are a tribal dance group which aim to educate audiences about Tigua heritage and culture through performances which facilitate cultural exchange. Comprised of Tigua youth, they present audiences with social dance performances that have a strong emphasis on Tigua ways of life. Audiences are granted the opportunity to view and experience historical dances, regalia, chants, and songs. Singer Juno Z Speaker/Artist Hal Marcus Vendor Presentation Grupo Folklorico Valle del Sol “Enhancing Mexican Culture” through education and entertainment. Vendor Presentation G’Beda - means Earth Medicine. g’beda T. Lyles offers experiential sound medicine that nourishes and roots the holistic mind, body, and spirit. As a workshop facilitator, multi- instrumentalist, meditative movement instructor and doctor of Chinese medicine, she offers a different approach to healing artistry and sound baths. g’beda has a musical background rooted in African, Latin American, Mariachi, and Middle Eastern folk traditions. Her vocal style is a marriage of gospel, funk, soul, and folk.

Make a Mural with your Organization Fill out this form to plant the seed for co-creating an amazing program together. We understand that things may change as the project evolves. First Name Organization Phone Estimate Age Range of Participants Last Name Email Address Estimate Number of Participants Estimate Time Framework Select an option Issues or challenges you would like to address with this mural Your goal with this project. Schedule a zoom call. Submit Application Thank you!

4110cc60-6c51-4352-9ce6-9c6ac228f83a Back to Gallery Mural # 143 The Cottonwood Singing Tree of Tapping the Aquifer of Goodwill Amidst the Storm 1/1 "The Cottonwood Singing Tree of Tapping the Aquifer of Goodwill Amidst the Storm." Originally designed for the American Folklore Society's November, 2024 Conference, the purpose of this collaborative mural is to focus on the constant flow of goodwill that is available to all of us, even when there is chaos and conflict. We acknowledge the storms of climate change and unnecessary human suffering. The Aquifer is imprinted with the hands of a child to symbolize why it is important to draw upon Goodwill in hard times – for the sake of future generations. This project is based in El Paso, Texas where 75 long-horned sheep were just released in a National Park within the City after being gone for 60 years. We celebrate their return. Date: December 16, 2024 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: American Folklore Society Location: El Paso, TX, USA Previous Next