Search Results

af82eed8-4cf6-43a0-9602-682e2ff1e8bb Back to Gallery Mural # 69 The Singing Tree™ of Spirit and Nature 1/1 The Singing Tree of Spirit and Nature made by the Living Wisdom School in Palo Alto . Date: October 29, 2020 Facilitator: Sunanda Peters Partners: Living Wisdom School in Palo Alto Location: 456 College Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA Previous Next

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

245087f5-2306-4a16-af56-97de735f5541 Back to Gallery Mural # 107 The Shanel Valley Academy Singing Tree of Community and Culture 1/1 Shanél Valley Academy (SVA) Singing Tree of Community and Culture is a peace-building-through-art project that commemorates the re-opening of a beloved community school. Our Singing Tree project honors the re-naming of the school after the principal local indigenous village of Shanél, which acknowledges with honor the Sho-Ka-Wah and Hopland People on this traditional ancestral and un-ceded land. When the former school closed 10 years ago, students suddenly were bussed to various schools in the region, some of which were more than an hour’s drive away. An important place for learning, teaching and gathering for this small community of 900 people (now known as Hopland) was lost. With the re-opening of the school as a free public charter school after a determined community effort, a generation of students who had never gone to school together now came together daily to learn, to play, to ride bikes together and to grow into community leaders. The school's STEAM-based, project-based curriculum, designed to educate the whole child in a culturally supportive environment, was developed in partnership with the Hopland Band of Central Pomo Indians whose children make up 35% of the school population. The mural’s Lead Design Team was made up of 4th, 5th and 6th graders who worked alongside Singing Tree Facilitators Leslie Rein and Diana Sciarretta . In crafting a theme for the project, the Design Team emphasized the intimacy of their new school compared to the huge schools they had been forced to attend previously, the benefits of being home and going to school where they live. They honored the oak trees, the apple and pear trees, and the nearby river, all in the shadow of Duncan’s Peak, the sacred traditional mountain which stands within view of the school buildings. Ramón Billy Jr., Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Hopland Tribal Council, gave teachings about the importance of the Valley Oak Tree, with its acorns and oak balls; the Sedge Bush, its roots used in making baskets, Feliz Creek, the river that runs through the valley, and the tule elk. All must be cared for. With the help of every student in every grade, all the staff, community volunteers and many parents, the Lead Design Team painted a Singing Tree mural measuring 14 feet high by 24 feet long on a wall in the school’s main breezeway. They glued hundreds of leaves to its branches. Each leaf shows the unique beauty and sensibilities of the person who shaped and colored it. Every day the entire SVA community passes through the joyously painted breezeway. On weekends other members of the Hopland community pass through the breezeway on their way to the school’s basketball hoops and playground. The Singing Tree of Community and Culture expresses the preciousness of local, deeply rooted relationships and forward-thinking creativity. “The greatest thing [that went well with the project] was the deep sense of community that developed as we went along. … I saw kids working together who don’t normally choose to be together, and I saw so much kindness.” - Leslie Barkley, 5th and 6th grade teacher “Doing a project together is actually cooler than I thought it would be.” - Lee, student “I’m proud of what we accomplished. It’s amazing.” - Logan, student Date: May 27, 2022 Facilitator: Leslie Rein and Diana Sciarretta Partners: NA Location: Hopland, CA 95449, USA Previous Next

Thank you! "I learned that if we could come together to make a mural in a short time, then we could come together to change global warming." Donate If we can come together to make a Singing Tree mural, we can come together to do anything. The world needs people—youth, adults, and elders—experiencing that their voice matters and that bringing heart, hands, and head to complex challenges results in innovative solutions. This is the lesson of Unity Through Creativity. Thank you for your support. The Impact of Your Contribution $25 = Prismacolor colored pencils for coloring leaves and birds on a Singing Tree mural $50 = One 8' x 4' Board and frame for a Singing Tree mural $100 = Paints for an 8’ x 4’ mural made by 75 adults and youth $500 = Paints, Brushes, and UV Varnish for 400 students $1000 = 2 days of Singing Tree Facilitation with 150 students working on a Singing Tree

< Back Upward Bound Inner Landscapes Upward Bound students in Oakland, CA, make "Inner Landscape" wooden cut-out figures and uplift their community with artist Laurie Marshall. Previous Next

ccad4a56-fa6a-4fd9-a27e-b2e336fd0839 Back to Gallery Mural # 132 The Singing Tree of Reproductive Freedom that Restores Mother Earth 1/1 The Singing Tree of Reproductive Freedom that Restores Mother Earth, made in collaboration with over 50 youth and adults at Bioneers . When asked “what breaks your heart?”, the 31 youth who showed up to co-create a collaborative mural at this year’s Bioneer’s Conference overwhelmingly listed 3 heartbreaks: denial of reproductive freedom, land/habitat destruction, and climate injustice. They each drew imagery and in sacred circle, told their stories and shared ideas. These teens and young adults are the next generation of creative thinkers and compassionate leaders. Their emergent wisdom makes me feel hopeful for the future. - Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Leslie Rein Date: March 30, 2024 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall, Cynthia Caruso, Leslie Rein, Fernanda Lugo, Bobbie Rae Jones, Wanda Whitaker and Sweta Chawla Partners: Bioneers Musea Location: University of California, Berkeley, Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA, USA Previous Next

ebd7808a-f618-477a-86c9-800a7bfeece7 Back to Gallery Mural # 105 The Ukrainian Singing Tree of Strength and Freedom 1/1 The mural uses the Ukrainian flag for its background. We honor the viburnum tree, which is the national tree of Ukraine. The roots are holding the heart of the world. The Nightingale, Ukraine’s national bird, is singing and calling out. The map of Ukraine is surrounded by blood and prayer dots. Sacred Humans, Sacred Earth and Sacred Life are being destroyed in Ukraine as the world watches. They are being destroyed in Yemen, Afghanistan, the Congo, Syria, Ethiopia, Mexico, the U.S., and. . . They are being destroyed all over the planet. This is not the world we know is possible. We will use this project to raise funds for UA Kids Today which gives children supplies for art to help them process their trauma. Date: April 22, 2022 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Painting Department at University of Texas at El Paso TEDx Berkeley UA Kids Today Bioneers Location: El Paso, TX, USA Previous Next

Wed, Sep 21 | El Paso International Day of Peace Celebration Music * Workshops * Singing Tree Mural Making * 27 tables * Dancing * Art * Food Trucks * Speeches * Permaculture * Wholistic Healing * Peace Literacy Time & Location Sep 21, 12:00pm - 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 the The International Day of Peace Celebration. Speakers/Performers Vendors Schedule We are very grateful to everyone that supported and attended this event! Speakers and Vendors Grandma Bea Grandma Bea, Beatriz Villegas (Ilhuicatlahuili-Bea), is an elder from Ciudad Juárez, México. She will be doing the opening ceremony at 12:00pm. 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. Neema will be speaking at 2:00pm. 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.” Laurie Marshall Laurie Marshall is an Author, Innovator and Artist who empowers youth and adults through creative collaboration. Laurie will be speaking at 12:00pm and 7:30pm Anna Marie Rosales Anna Marie Rosales is a Texas native singer/songwriter. She will be performing at 7:00pm. Grupo Folklorico Valle del Sol Grupo Folklorico Valle del Sol Mexican ballet folklorico dancing. They will be performing at 6:30pm. 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. 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. Emcee 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. Speakers and Performers Alameda Eco-Villa Alameda Eco Villa is the first regenerative Eco-Village/food forest in the greater El Paso TX region. VA Caregiver Support VA Caregiver Support Program El Paso Quakers El Paso Quakers Religious Society of Friends Annunciation House Annunciation House helps the migrant, refugee, and economically vulnerable peoples of the border region. Unity Through Creativity Unity Through Creativity is one of the hosts of this event. Its mission is to empower youth and adults through creativity collaborationand will be facilitating The Nectarine Singing Tree of Peace Mural. 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. Pax Christi El Paso Pax Christi El Paso serves as a local forum for the study of and public witness to Christian non-violence. Silver Pick Studios Silver Pick Studios, equine art by Pámela Vigo Sánchez, home of the painted-by-a-horse Indoodle. Abara A community of peace builders in Juarez-El Paso, Abara holds Border Encounter Experiences for groups across the country and provides resources to migrant shelters with needed supplies. They invite us to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters from all over the world who’s migrant path has brought them to El Paso. Raindrop Foundation The Raindrop Foundation aims to cultivate friendship and promote understanding of diverse cultures through its unique services to the community. They will be bring Turkish cuisine to this event! Interfaith Power and Light Interfaith Power and Light work for climate justice. Desert Bloom Collective Desert Bloom Collective , child-bearing, postpartum, and holistic therapeutic services. 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. The Green Ingredient The Green Ingredient makes plant based cheese and other plant based gluten-free products. 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. Fernanda Lugo Fernanda is a certified yoga teacher, health scholar specializing in behavioral sciences and environmental health. She will be hosting yoga sessions at this event. Dialogue Institute The Dialogue Institute of the Southwest is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating stereotypes, intolerance, and prejudices through direct human interaction. Centennial Museum Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Garden. Vendors Schedule 12:00pm - Opening Ceremony with Grandma Beatrice Villegas and welcome with Laurie Marshall 1:00pm - Pastor Michael Grady, Prince of Peace Christian Fellowship 2:00pm - Speaker Neema Soratgar, Afghanistan Athlete, Activist, Guest UTEP Researcher 3:00pm - Join Bettina Escudero, expert meditation teacher of Paso del Norte Mindfulness Consulting, on a journey to Embrace Peace in Our Hearts. 4:00pm - Laurie Marshal, author, innovator and artist. 5:00pm - Essay Contest 6:00pm - Artist Hal Marcus 6:30pm - Grupo Folklorico Valle del Sol 7:00pm - Musician Anna Maria Rosales 8:00pm - Closing Ceremony Peace Day Schedule

9431f385-c416-4545-88fc-fb34a24baf16 < Back Novato Youth Center Mural 1/1 8th grade student, Gabriela, makes a mural for the Novato Youth Center for her school project. Novato Youth Center, Wilson Avenue, Novato, CA, USA Previous Next

The neurobiology of art as transformation is a multidimensional field that explores the ways in which engagement with art can have positive effects on the brain and overall functionality. Several aspects of neurobiology contribute to the transformative power of art: 1. Enhanced Connectivity: Neural Connectivity: Artistic activities can enhance neural connectivity, promoting communication between different regions of the brain. This increased connectivity contributes to improved cognitive function, creativity, and problem-solving skills. 2. Reward Pathways: Dopaminergic System: The creation and appreciation of art can activate the brain’s reward pathways, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine. This activation of the reward system is associated with feelings of pleasure and can support motivation and achievement of outcomes. 3. Flow: Default Mode Network (DMN): Engaging in creative activi- ties can lead to a state of flow, characterized by intense focus and concentration. This state is associated with a heightened awareness of connections, openness, creativity and the reduction of self-referential thinking. 4. Neuroplasticity: Structural Changes: Regular engagement with art may contribute to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This can have long-term effects on cognitive function, learning, and adaptability. 5. Transformation Applications: Community Art: The field of community art is built on the understanding of the neurobiological effects of art. These in- terventions are designed to harness the potential of art making to address communications challenges that individuals and communities face through creating a shared visions of success. 6. Expression and Communication: Mirror Neurons: Creating or experiencing art involves the activation of mirror neurons, which play a role in empathy and understanding the emotions of others. This aspect of art can enhance social connection and communication - essential for teambuilding. 7. Stress Reduction: Cortisol Levels: Engaging with art has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. This may be linked to the calming effects of art on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress relief. 8. Emotional Self-Control: Limbic System: Art can influence the limbic system, which is involved in emotions and memory. Creating or experiencing art can calm the amygdala, the center of fight or flight, allowing for more peaceful communication and productivity. Incorporating art…. promoting productivity and innovation Art has a positive impact on the brain, the heart and mental health. Incorporating art offers a creative space to face the unknown, take risks and generate new ideas.

1a1590c3-9f02-4c8a-a440-812e101c62c4 Singing Tree Murals of 2001 1 Elm Singing Tree More Previous Next

5f8675c8-27e1-42f1-9a15-5cd8b7deb3ce Back to Gallery Mural # 47 The Bay Laurel Singing Tree of Curiosity 1/1 The Bay Laurel Singing Tree of Curiosity, honoring Sonoma State University's Center for Environmental Inquiry. A wonderful day of curiosity, questions, answers, biology, ecology, fellowship and creativity. Date: July 31, 2017 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Sonoma State University Location: Lichau Rd, Penngrove, CA 94951, USA Previous Next

< Back De Palazzo Board Member at Large De Palazzo brings a passionate spirit and a solid depth and breadth of schools, corporate and community-based knowledge in her varied roles as classroom teacher and advocate. De Palazzo brings a passionate spirit and a solid depth and breadth of schools, corporate and community-based knowledge in her varied roles as classroom teacher, Florida's Statewide LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Director for Equality Florida, National LGBTQ+ consultant, and anti-bias, conflict resolution and communications leader. While opening up conversations in Florida about inclusivity and equity, she has trained over 30,000 senior school district leaders on creating sustainable, institutionalized safety nets for queer youth and adults. De has also worked with hundreds of schools across the U.S., teaching conflict resolution and violence prevention skills to both youth and adults as a senior national trainer with Community Matters located in Santa Rosa, California. She is an avid traveler, meditator, nature lover, and qi gong enthusiast who lives life via "carpe diem!”