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65d556ef-135f-424f-9122-001b40cafe65 Back to Gallery Mural # 152 The Rainbow Eucalyptus-Wisteria Singing Tree of Women’s Leadership 1/1 In November 2025, Unity Through Creativity Foundation was honored to facilitate an online Innovative Team Building workshop with 179 Japanese businesswomen at the J-Win Conference on Women’s Leadership. The title of the workshop was “The Rainbow Eucalyptus-Wisteria Singing Tree® Mural of Women’s Leadership - Team Building Through Art.” The purpose of the two-and-a-half hour virtual seminar was to use art as an innovative tool for team building and increase the self-confidence of women leaders. There were two prompts: 1. Focus on the pain of being a woman in the workplace, see those challenges healed and create an image of solution inside the form of a wisteria blossom. 2. Create an image of a dream or wish for their work life inside the bird form. The women shared their imagery with each other in five interest groups within the Conference – Politics, Economy, Society, Technology and GreenX. The images and each woman’s description of the symbolism are gathered in this document, providing a unique insight into the experience of Japanese women in the workplace. Date: November 30, 2025 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall and Lili Lopez Partners: J-Win Location: Previous Next

07494c20-5082-4368-b686-6f8a002fdd21 Back to Gallery Mural # 126 The Madrone and Redwood Singing Tree of Peace and Justice 1/1 This painting was created by a Lead Design Team of 27 sixth graders in the class of Mr. Walker and Facilitated by Leslie Rein and Lili Lopez . It is one of three paintings made in the Fall of 2023 by students of Piner-Olivet Union School District. In this “Peace Building Through Art” program the students chose the theme of “Peace and Justice.” The sixth graders researched and selected the trees, then designed and painted the background. Next, they drew and cut out 499 leaves, birds, and stars. Then they went to all the classes in the school to invite students and staff to draw images of peace and justice on the leaves. Everyone’s leaves were added to the mural. Finally the sixth graders made a presentation in front of the whole school, unveiling the completed mural. They gained skills in leadership, communication, creativity, and collaboration. The painting celebrates the Osprey, the Olivet Elementary School mascot, whose vision is said to bring an elevated view to challenging situations. The Madrone Tree symbolizes balance between darkness and light, protection and safety, and the Redwood Tree symbolizes longevity, strength, and energy. The project was funded by a California Arts and Music grant. “If you’re not fighting, you can make something great together.” - Victor, age 11 Date: November 24, 2023 Facilitator: Leslie Rein and Lili Lopez Partners: California Arts and Music Location: Santa Rosa, California, USA Previous Next

76d5165e-a2c8-4ed9-9606-51358d4785f3 Back to Gallery Mural # 14 Bay Laurel Singing Tree of Worldview Exploration (Literacy) 1/1 Bay Laurel Singing Tree of Worldview Exploration (Literacy) Mural for Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) Made at Earthrise, former headquarters of Institute of Noetic Sciences (partner), Petaluma, CA with educators and counselors from 15 states who were being trained in Worldview Exploration. Co-Facilitator, Dr. Katia Petersen . Date: August 4, 2010 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall and Lili Lopez Partners: Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) Location: 101 San Antonio Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA Previous Next

5dc4f38d-0c12-4e00-a04f-f4e87eb1927c Back to Gallery Mural # 124 The Arroyo Willow and Live Oak Singing Tree of Differences and Appreciation 1/1 43 sixth graders in the classes of Mr. Showalter-Garcia and Ms. Marsh were the Lead Design Team in this “Peace Building Through Art” program. It is one of three paintings created in the Fall of 2023 by the students of Piner-Olivet Union School District. In 10 days, the students chose the theme of “Differences and Appreciation,” researched and selected trees, designed and painted the background, drew and cut out over 500 leaves and birds, went to all the classes in the school to invite students and staff to make images of what they appreciate on the cutouts, and glued the cutouts. Finally the sixth graders made a presentation in front of the whole school, unveiling the completed mural. They gained skills in leadership, communication, creativity, and collaboration. The painting celebrates the mascot of Schaefer Elementary School - the Bear. The Arroyo Willow symbolizes grief and recovery, and the Live Oak symbolizes abundance and strength. The Pomo People are honored in the crescent moon with a design inspired by a Pomo basket. Maurice Schaefer, whose farm land was sold to make the school, is in the middle of the earth. The project was funded by a California Arts and Music grant. “Making this mural was an opportunity of a lifetime.” - Owen, age 11 Date: October 20, 2023 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall and Lili Lopez Partners: California Arts and Music Location: Santa Rosa, CA, 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

7cf00497-42b6-49fd-aad4-fa6069f15104 Back to Gallery Mural # 88 The Singing Tree of Nature’s Healing Democracy 1/1 A multi-generational team co-created an image called "The Singing Tree of Nature's Healing Democracy." The Redwood Tree is from California. The Red Maple is from Virginia. The two trees span the continent. The Eagle represents our country. The colors of Republicans and Democrats intertwine in the infinity sign and "The Golden Children" are back to back, alienated, yet holding hands. The eye with redwood tree eyelashes looks directly into our hearts. We will be adding hands with images addressing "What action will you take for our democracy?", leaves expressing "What is your gift to our democracy?" and birds addressing "What is your wish for our democracy?" Our goal is to send this image to poll workers to thank them for their service. Date: November 20, 2020 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: NA Location: Oakland, CA, USA Previous Next

6c0981c2-dd12-494d-93cb-b731e5fa61f0 Back to Gallery Mural # 101 The Singing Tree of Love and Inclusion 1/1 The Singing Tree of Love and Inclusion at Biondi Elementary School in Yonkers, New York - facilitated by Kristin Linder-Holmes in a school for traumatized youth. Date: October 1, 2021 Facilitator: Kristin Linder-Holmes Partners: Biondi Elementary School in Yonkers, New York Location: Yonkers, NY, USA Previous Next

46e9f54f-316f-467e-83d5-3df0ba506f23 Back to Gallery Mural # 99 Oak and Linden Singing Trees of Wholeness and Belonging 1/1 Facilitated by Joanna Vaughn who worked with Escuelita Amiguitos, The Austin Quaker Meeting and Austin Tan Cera de La Forntera. Date: May 16, 2022 Facilitator: Joanna Vaughn Partners: Escuelita Amiguitos The Austin Quaker Meeting Austin Tan Cera de La Frontera (ACTF) Location: Austin, TX, USA Previous Next

2871872b-6f3b-4123-9232-dddec0a9459e Back to Gallery Mural # 135 The Northwest Roanoke Oak Singing Tree of Resiliency 1/1 This painting was created by 15 students from Da Humble Beez youth program, ages 6 to 15. The painting was facilitated by Jane Gabrielle with support from Sharon Robinson of Da Humble Beez and Darlene Lewis of The Hope Center . Northwest Roanoke is an urban heat island due to years of redlining, disinvestment and being underserved. The work of this mural was elevating asset-based love of place through the arts. It was about inviting our youth to amplify their joy about where they live and to DREAM about the future THEY want to see. The Oak was chosen because it is the strongest tree. The children's work includes a tree-being who sings the Earth a rainbow song. The tree has golden acorns that one can eat to receive peace, love and kindness. The legendary Sankofa bird, that moves into the future but remembers the past, is a beloved symbol in our community. Here, the birds reach back for their golden eggs. The very youngest child had the idea to make "Turtle Island" on the Earth. Over 200 youth, ages 4 to 15 were engaged to brainstorm solutions to make their community "safer, cooler and happier" and apply their ideas to the leaves, butterflies, birds, and stars. After touring City Hall, the mural will live at The Hope Center's new building. Date: June 10, 2024 Facilitator: Jane Gabrielle McCadden Partners: Da Humble Beez The Hope Center Location: Roanoke, VA, USA 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

09f534b9-8ec5-407a-bb54-2c4997ba218c Back to Gallery Mural # 121 Palo Verde Singing Tree of a Green and Connected El Paso 1/1 The Lead Design Team of this painting were members of the general public, ages 7 to 73, and the non-profit, Eco El Paso , which is dedicated to sustainability in a hot, arid climate. The Palo Verde tree is a heat-tolerant species that is native to Arizona, though not to El Paso. Blossoms, birds, and butterflies were added by the public at PBS’s Kids Bash and Unity Fest, organized by Plant-A-Seed USA , at Bassett Place Mall in El Paso. Families were invited to make images of the plants, animals, and people they loved in El Paso. Look for bees, cactus, ocotillo, geckos, a jaguar, turtle, ant, hawk, mommies, daddies, baby siblings, rabbit, spider, praying mantis, hummingbirds, fish, and coyote. Activist Judy Ackerman is also honored. She worked for 50 years for the Castner Range to become a National Monument and died the week before the 6672 acres became protected. The black tip rattlesnake, javelina, and mountain lion are included as important to the desert eco-system. A wildlife corridor across Transmountain with a mountain lion safely walking is a long-term vision for a transnational connected path for wildlife from Las Cruces to Juarez. “We honored Judy Ackerman who spent 50 years fighting for the Castner Range to be made into a Federal Park and died the week before it was official.” - Fernanda Lugo Date: August 31, 2023 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Eco El Paso PBS El Paso Plant-A-Seed USA Location: El Paso, TX, USA Previous Next

40c94919-cd0e-47e4-a76c-463d99c75fd0 Back to Gallery Mural # 34 Sarajevo Singing Tree of Renewed Togetherness 1/1 Young people from different religions and ethnic groups in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzogivinia collaborated to create a Singing Tree mural. In the process, they learn team-building and leadership skills. Create Peace Project of San Francisco joined with ArtGrupa of Sarajevo to carry out this team-building project. The Singing Tree was part of the International Peace Convention to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War War in the place where it began. 500 children and their families contributed to the mural at the Children’s Festival, which began as a healing gathering after the conflicts of the 1990’s ended. Date: June 13, 2014 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Create Peace Project Art Grupa Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Previous Next

61375017-75f9-4fa1-b673-dd62c31d9fe2 Back to Gallery Mural # 23 The Baka Singing Tree of Thanks 1/1 The Baka Singing Tree of Thanks made in Nakavika, Fiji with Debora DeLap Palmer and headmaster Emori. Date: April 21, 2012 Facilitator: Debora DeLap Palmer Partners: NA Location: Nakavika, Fiji Previous Next

a17bc5d8-ce0c-4175-bd38-470e6d1874fd Back to Gallery Mural # 149 Singing Tree of Our Values 1/1 150 6th-8th grade students and five teachers at Scott Valley Junior High School co-created The Maple Singing Tree of Our Values. Andrea Marchyok oversaw the project. She is a certified Innovative Team Building Facilitator and the Arts Education Specialist of Siskiyou County (California) Office of Education. She was assisted by her co-worker, Elizabeth Lahey. The mural was created in 5 sessions over three months. Each session consisted of 9 classes with 150 students total and the Lead Design Team - students who volunteered to come back during their lunch breaks throughout the project. The Karen Copsey Foundation contributed funds for materials. The foundation is named after an architect in the Mt. Shasta community who donated funds to promote more arts in the schools of Siskiyou County when she passed away. What the students said: "What I like most was that we paint together. When people paint together ,you get lots of creativity and the feeling of community and belongingness. Painting together makes an artistic community where you can be more open with each other, and you feel more welcome, more belonging. You learn new techniques. You learn from one another, which really fits this art project" -Ellie "I like this project because everyone had their own style and lots of creativity. I love this painting and I would not change anything." -Lincoln. "What I like most about this project is how a little bit of everyone's draft made it in." -Anna "I like the leaves and the birds because I'm doing different patterns and colors. I also like coming here because it calms me down when I'm stressed out." -Mackenzie Date: May 14, 2025 Facilitator: Andrea Marchyok Partners: Siskiyou County Office of Education Scott Valley Junior High School The Karen Copsey Foundation Location: Fort Jones, CA 96032, USA Previous Next

8928c870-4389-4162-9396-75f89274604b Back to Gallery Mural # 122 The Afghan Singing Tree of Women’s Strength and Freedom 1/1 When the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, Singing Tree Facilitator Anita Khatkani of Mumbai, India, and Unity Through Creativity founder, Laurie Marshall, of El Paso, Texas expressed their heartbreak by co-designing this mural. Afghanistan’s national bird - the golden eagle, its national tree - the pomegranate, and its national animal - the snow leopard – are all included. A map of Afghanistan is surrounded by a blood red line to represent the unearned suffering of the country. The young woman – denied education, autonomy, freedom - is held by the tree with a crown of pomegranates and leaves. Students in Dana Elemdorf’s Art Therapy program at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania contributed pomegranates and leaves. Meeting athlete Neema Soratgar, a guest Research Scholar in UTEP’s Women’s Studies Center, added new dimension to the painting. Hearing her story of barely escaping the Taliban with her life, Neema’s strength and courage became symbolized by the snow leopard mother. The two cubs are her twin children. The exiled family all worked on and guided the painting. Volunteers in UTEP’s Women’s Study Center also spent many hours painting together and learning about the land and people of Afghanistan from Neema. Members of the Interfaith Alliance of the Southwest also added their support for the women and girls of Afghanistan by making leaves. After working for a year, the painting was unveiled at the International Day of Peace Celebration at Keystone Heritage Park . “Through the artistry and actions of this project, our Singing Tree Mural exemplifies a tireless commitment to making the world a better place for all of humanity.” - Neema Soratgar Neema Soratgar's Speech at the International Day of Peace Celebration "I am honored to stand here with this diverse and elite group of individuals today, united by a shared commitment to peace! Today, on this auspicious occasion of the international week of Peace, we gather here to think about the dire situation that has plagued Afghanistan women under the shadow of political Islam. This is the day we come together to bring ourselves to peace and justice, to extend our hands in solidarity with those who are suffering, and to defend the rights and dignity of Afghanistan women. The world has watched as Afghanistan transitioned to a regime where political Islam has taken center stage and they are satisfied with just saying that we are concerned For Afghan women, while this transition has brought about a cloud of fear, and the threat of regressive policies that could strip away women’s basic rights and freedoms. In these challenging times, we must stand in unwavering support of Afghanistan women, who have long been the unsung heroes their nation.Afghanistan has a rich history, where women have played pivotal roles in shaping the social fabric of their country. For years, they have been educators, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities. They have been strong and persevered in the face of adversity. However, under the tyrannical grip of political Islam, their future hangs in the balance and is like being buried alive. In a country that half a decade ago was one of the happiest countries in the world, now its girls and women are suffering from various types of violence (openly and secretly) and oppression and are deprived of the right to education and work. I was in my country during the first period of the Taliban and I was when they were brought into power again, I am in contact with my family, my former students, athletes, and my colleagues every day, and I am also working on research on this issue, I hear and am aware of their pain and suffering, and this hurts me as a human and as a woman from that country. Most of them say that we are in fear and destitution due to the mental and psychological problems that have plagued us, another says that the worst kind of life is when your destiny is in the hands of someone else and against your pure wishes, and another one of my colleagues said "If one Talib is outside the house, there are many Talibs are fighting with us inside the house, and that is either a husband or a brother or a father because they used male domination and instilled fear in others to impose their willpower." One of the athlete girls said that I never thought of myself as so weak, I used to sleep with a beautiful dream of becoming a champion and now I have nightmares at night. We have a saying that a broken hand can work, but a broken heart does not! The sister of one of my friends, despite their poor economy, studied day and night and tried to take the Konkor exam which is the university entrance exam, after changing the power to Taliban soldures and due to her unemployment and poverty, her father wanted her to marry an old man for money, and she rejected this marriage. She was hit in the head, lost her nerves, and locked herself in a room with her books and didn’t want to leave the room. Another friend of mine for many years had a beauty salon, from which she supported her five close families, and sometimes I introduced to her some women who were looking for a job so that she could work in the salon, but now salons are closed by Taliban, she called me crying and said, "Neema, how can I find food for twelve children of our families?" It is our moral duty, as global citizens, and advocates for peace, to extend our support and protection to the Afghanistan women who are living in the shadow of uncertainty. We must remember that peace is not a one-sided endeavor. To the leaders and decision-makers who have the power to influence the fate of Afghanistan's people, I implore you to consider the profound implications of your actions. Women's rights are not a matter of convenience or cultural relativism; they are universal, inalienable rights and Women's rights is God-given rights. It is incumbent upon those who wield power to uphold these rights and ensure that the women of Afghanistan are not left behind. I call on the brave and sacrificial women of Afghanistan who are in every corner of this world to continue to fight for peace, social justice, and freedom with tireless efforts alongside women who are under unjust domination. world women together can be the voices of Afghanistan’s women on the international stage. Be the voice that has been silenced by the world's indifference to their situation and from the severity of the pain. Human rights and social justice for all is peace.Thank you for being here today in this noble endeavor and strive for a more just and peaceful world. -Neema Soratgar Date: July 12, 2023 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Women’s Studies Department of the University of Texas El Paso Interfaith Alliance of the Southwest Seton Hill University, PA Keystone Heritage Park Location: El Paso, TX, USA Previous Next