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c44fae9a-8d7a-4a35-8cd5-4f82a21059dc Back to Gallery Mural # 72 The Mangrove Singing Tree of Love 1/1 "The Mangrove Singing Tree of Love" was made with West Glades Middle School in Parkland, FL . The goal of the project was to help students creatively process the first year anniversary of the deaths of 17 people at the high school they feed into - Margery Stoneman Douglas . Here's what the principal of the middle school had to say about the experience: "Thank you for coming out to paint the Mangrove Singing Tree mural with our staff and students. The mural is beautiful and a powerful symbol of strength and diversity. The painting of the mural was therapeutic to our students who are healing from the tragedy at MSD, and it will be a constant reminder of the resolve our community has. Date: February 19, 2019 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: West Glades Middle School in Parkland, FL Location: 11000 Holmberg Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33076, USA Previous Next

64621d0e-11c1-4cf1-a393-ae5018cd9e2d Back to Gallery Mural # 29 Seasons of Hope Singing Tree – Spring of Sustainability 1/1 The Seasons of Hope Singing Trees, made with homeless and formerly homeless kids who led with 1000 young people to create these four murals in Marin County, California. Unity Through Creativity is no longer affiliated with Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity. Date: October 3, 2012 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: NA Location: Marin County, CA, USA Previous Next

cd7aef37-b471-4b68-a736-0e3b1de85374 < Back Wall of Care 1/1 5th graders painted the second floor of Helen S Faison Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA in 2006. The students painted the street across from the school, which had numerous abandoned buildings. They depicted the street as they dreamed it could be, with flowers, birds and colorful buildings. Above the buildings is a mandala where the students painted what they cared about, showering their neighborhood with care. Pittsburgh, PA, USA Previous Next

d952d2f4-93ba-4325-ae46-52ca3ffd7c83 Back to Gallery Mural # 65 The Marquette-Alger Singing Tree™ of Healthy Families 1/1 Created Singing Trees with Mindful Parent groups in Marquette and Munising, Michigan, The Marquette group chose to honor the White Pine, the Munising group chose to honor the Birch Tree. Turns out these two species of trees send each other sugar - the White Pine sends sugar to the Birch in the winter and the Birch sends sugar to the White Pine in the summer. It's lovely for parents to support each other and to be supported by the Great Start Collaborative!!! Date: March 23, 2018 Facilitator: Laurie & Angela Johnson Partners: Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency Location: Marquette, MI, 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!

751e960e-2fe8-42a4-a7a5-8c5dd34c0ba7 Back to Gallery Mural # 91 The Willow Singing Tree of Celebrating Our True Value 1/1 The Willow Singing Tree of Celebrating Our True Value was done in collaboration and support from Multicultural Cumbria , Furness Multicultural Community Forum , and Cumbria International Women's Network . Made with immigrant women, altogether there were women representing Ireland, Syria, France, Poland, Nigeria, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Germany, England, Afghanistan, Turkey, Japan, Greece, Spain and Lebanon. "The painting done by Gabi with a theme of the willow tree representing what womanhood means, drew me very close to heart and made me feel extra special. The quote I wrote for that tree was - said ‘Shakthi ka Naam hi Naari Hai' in Hindi which means ‘Power, or strength, is the sign of womanhood'." -Rashmi, from Carlisle 'Words cannot describe the beauty and power of this painting' -Lina - Lebanese from Barrow Date: June 4, 2021 Facilitator: Gabi Lipska Partners: Multicultural Cumbria Furness Multicultural Community Forum Cumbria International Women's Network Location: Cumbria, UK Previous Next

c3b0e96e-dd7f-4b6e-aed4-f29d547cd1dd Back to Gallery Mural # 63 Unity in Community Singing Tree™ 1/1 "Unity in Community Singing Tree" for 18 year-old Lyndsey Rose Burcina's run for School Board in Santa Rosa. Date: August 14, 2018 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall and Deborah Figueroa Partners: NA Location: Santa Rosa, CA, USA Previous Next

From Turnover to Teambuilding II Mastering Employee Engagement (Your Guide to a Cohesive Workplace) This will be a valuable opportunity for you as a general manager to gain insights that can transform your business dynamics. Here are three compelling reasons you won't want to miss this event: Addressing Turnover : We'll provide actionable strategies to reduce turnover rates, helping you cultivate a more stable and committed workforce. You'll learn how to foster a work environment that encourages long-term employee retention and satisfaction. Enhancing Communication : With our expert guidance, you'll discover techniques to overcome communication breakdowns within your team. These insights will empower you to create a transparent and effective communication culture that enhances collaboration and productivity. Overcoming Interdepartmental Challenges : Our event will arm you with tools to tackle challenges between departments creatively. You'll gain innovative approaches that support smooth operations and cohesive team work across the board. For the seminar, you'll need to bring your hardest challenge, a piece of paper and magic markers or colored pencils. This will be an outside the box experience. From Turnover to Teambuilding II Ended 499 US dollars $499 View Course

Welcome to the Peace Within Potluck registration page. We are excited to put our heads and hearts together for this evening of connection and celebration of the planet that harbors the miracle of life. Peace Potluck Registration First name* Last name* Organization Affiliation (if any) Email* Phone Number* Zip Code* Check what you will bring :* Main dish Vegetable Bread/Chips Dessert Drinks I will not be able to bring a dish (Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty) Food needs/preferences* Vegetarian Vegan Lactose-Free Gluten-free No-preference Allergic to particular foods? If so, what? How many children will be coming with you and what ages? How many people will be coming with you? Please remember to bring your own plates, silverware and cups. Your donations are vital and gladly accepted. Donation $0 $10 $15 $20 $25 $50 Register Potluck registration

Beating the Odds Now! by Laurie Marshall Beating the Odds Now! is a love letter to teachers, written by veteran teacher Laurie Marshall. It honors the passion, intuition, and wisdom that teachers bring to their students. Laurie focuses on each student's "spark", using Nature as a guide for learning and structuring opportunities for impact outside the classroom. As an expert in project-based learning and arts integration, she shares practical ideas to deeply engage students so they may bring their gifts to make a better world. The book is short, easy to read, and chock full of useful references. get the book Laurie Marshall, Author For 35 years, author, innovator and artist Laurie Marshall has empowered youth and adults through creative collaboration. She practices Peace Building through Art, inspired by Nature. As an educator, she has served mostly low-income children, families and their schools as an Arts Integration and Project-Based Learning specialist. Her mission is to nurture creativity, a love of learning and a collaborative spirit. Laurie is a certified K-12 Art and Social Studies Teacher with training in the Waldorf Curriculum, Conversational Intelligence, Peace Literacy and Outward Bound. She has a B.A. from Antioch College in history and education, and an M.A. in art and education from Beacon College. get the book back to shop >