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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!”

The UTC Team Staff and Board Laurie Marshall Executive/Artistic Director, Program Manager, President of Board For 35 years, author, speaker and artist Laurie has empowered youth and adults through creative collaboration. She practices Peace-Building through Art, inspired by Nature and founded The Singing Tree Project. Read More Edward Schuldt Vice President and Director of Operations Edward has over 40 years’ experience in organizational development and administration. He has been connected to Unity Through Creativity from its inception. Read More Rachel Quintana Secretary Rachel Quintana, a native of El Paso, Texas, is an advocate for community unification, public service and the well-being of children. Read More Lili Lopez Marketing and Web Specialist, Art Facilitator Lili is in charge of UTC’s website, social media, and marketing. She generates imagery, posts, and videos to raise awareness of Unity Through Creativity’s programs. She has also co-facilitated over 35 murals in the San Francisco Bay area. Read More Elenna Goodman Board Member at Large Elenna holds a BA in Political Science, an MA in Anthropology and Social Change. Her work is devoted to gathering and nourishing community. Read More De Palazzo Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator 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. Read More Kathleen Brigidina Board Member at Large Kathleen is an Artist, Creative Doula and Earth Activist whose mission is to nurture creativity and reconnect to Earth as an accelerated path to unite communities and inspire transformation for a healthy world. Read More Facilitators Katia Petersen Master Facilitator President of Petersen Argo Inc. a Transformational Education company, Katia brings decades of experience as a psychotherapist, educator, story teller and author. Read More Wanda Whitaker Master Facilitator Wanda Whitaker is a visionary artist, hypnotherapist, information facilitator and conscious leadership coach residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Read More Emmanuel “Emma” Kavuma Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Emmanuel “Emma” Kavuma is a self-taught artist born in Masaka, Uganda. Read More Gabi Lipska Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Gabi is a human working from the heart with the intention of connecting people to themselves, each other and all life. She is a purpose-driven educator and community weaver with passion for bringing harmony. Read More Bobbie Rae Jones Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Bobbie Rae Jones believes arts is an essential aspect to solving our social problems. A credentialed visual arts educator with over twenty years of experience instructing groups of all ages in a variety of modalities. Read More Joanna Redfield Vaughn Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Joanna is a Quaker who has been devoted to children, education and art for over four decades. She taught at the Austin Waldorf School for 11 years and was an elementary Art Specialist for 17 years at 10 of Austin’s public schools. Read More Leslie Rein Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Making collaborative murals as a Singing Tree Project facilitator aligns perfectly with Leslie's passion for art and creativity. This artistic and peace-building process serves her desire to bring people together and heal common heartbreaks. Read More Sweta Chawla Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Sweta Chawla PharmD, MS is a Former Professor of Pharmacy and Clinical and Residency Director turned Speaker, Facilitator & Leadership Coach and Author. Read More Diana Sciarretta Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Diana Sciarretta (She/They) is a Healthcare Justice Advocate, Somatic Expressive Healing Artist and Director of The Red & Orange House. Read More Naomi Duben Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Naomi Duben is mixed-media artist and painter based in Los Angeles. Originally from Marin County just north of San Francisco Read More Jane Gabrielle McCadden Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Jane is a writer, songwriter and visual and performing artist. Her work inspects the intersectionality of inward-focused creative practice. Read More Fernanda Lugo Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator an activist and community organizer in El Paso Texas, where she strives to raise awareness of nature-based creative solutions and build bridges between organizations local and national, emphasizing how all our struggles are connected. Read More Carrie Ziegler Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Carrie Ziegler harnesses the collective power of art to drive social and environmental transformation. Read More Sonda Cheesebrough Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Sonda is an artist who is passionate about bringing out the best in people through community and art. Sonda received her BFA in Painting from West Virginia University and her MA in Art with a concentration in Art Education. Read More Andrea Marchyok Certified Singing Tree Mural Facilitator Andrea has had the privilege of inspiring creativity and curiosity through the arts for more than 24 years. Her work spans classrooms, community projects, and collaborative partnerships with school districts, state arts councils, and nonprofit organizations. Read More Consultants Tanya Vlach Interdisciplinary Consultant Tanya Vlach is an Interdisciplinary Artist weaving her arts background into communications and strategy with special projects and nonprofits https://colibrita.com Read More Bennett Smith Events Liaison With over 5 years of events experience and knowledge, Bennett is a jill-of-all-trades when it comes to events. Read More

7c560b84-bf0a-4e79-b024-b0f857abcfc4 < Back We Must Care for the Earth Mural 1/1 "I loved making the above mural at Grant Grover School for college-aged students with special needs through Youth in Arts because of the devotion of the staff and students there. We made a simple, joyful image that reflects the accessible hearts of that community. Many of the students said that what meant the most to them about the project was that everyone in the school worked on it. They saw that they could all work together. When asked what they were most proud of in making this mural, many of the students at the Grant Grover School of the College of Marin said that they were able to make something together with the whole school. It was their sense of community, intertwined with their creativity, that gave them the greatest satisfaction. I know that these elements – total inclusion, no matter what the limitations, and imagination, plus hard work – is how the devastating odds that we’re up against can be solved." Facilitator Laurie Marshall San Rafael, CA, USA Previous Next

4bda6928-62bc-41a5-b5d6-959b3081970c Back to Gallery Mural # 71 The Municipal Program Managers Singing Tree of Excellence 1/1 City Managers in Washington, DC ended their George Washington University Leadership Training Program by reflecting on their experience together in the Singing Tree of Excellence. Date: July 1, 2019 Facilitator: Patricia Jensen Partners: George Washington University Location: 2121 I St NW, Washington, DC 20052 Previous Next

Sponsorship Opportunities Our mission is to bring divided communities together through collaborative community artwork, healing heartbreak and laying the foundation for success in meeting community challenges. We empower youth, adults, and elders through collaborative art and storytelling to embrace the wisdom of heartbreak, envision a positive future and spark innovative action. With your support we can provide this to more communities, especially the most underserved. Unity Through Creativity adds to the Culture of Peace, building “The Beloved Community”, one mural at a time. We invite you to join our community of Peace Leaders and Creative Activists! Level 1 Partner (Includes all of level 2 benefits) Sequoia Grove - $75,000 Name in Title of mural Sponsorship of 6 murals Company name or logo included in the design of the mural Company mural created with employees, included as one of the sponsored mural. Donation of art supplies to participating school presented by Sponsor Customized package of benefits Redwood Grove - $50,000 Name as Presenter of mural (3 positions) Sponsorship of 3 murals Company mural created with employees, included as one of the sponsored mural. Donation of art supplies to participating school presented by Sponsor Customized package of benefits Oak Grove - $25,000 Name as Presenter of mural (3 positions) Sponsorship of 1 mural Company mural created with employees, included as one of the sponsored mural. Donation of art supplies to participating school presented by Sponsor Customized package of benefits Level 2 Partner Visionary - $10,000 All Innovator benefits, plus: Name included in press releases to media Name/logo included as a Sponsor in mural video Representative interview included in mural video Opportunity to paint mural with muralists Innovator - $5,000 All Innovator benefits, plus: Name on plaque or stand at mural site Name included in social media posts Sponsor to receive poster and 10 postcards of mural image Advocate - $2,500 All Innovator benefits, plus: Acknowledgement at post event celebration Supporter - $1,000 All Innovator benefits, plus: Name/logo included on promotional materials Community - $500 All Innovator benefits, plus: Name/logo included at UTC website Name included in credits of mural video Ambassador - $250 Name/logo included at UTC website Become a Sponsor To learn more about becoming a sponsor please contact us at: 415-612-0401 or laurie@unitythroughcreativity.org

4dcf041f-b447-49ad-8a08-09c0a3f726ef Back to Gallery Mural # 142 The Listening Tree of Life, Earth and Indigenous Wisdom 1/1 This Singing Tree led by Kathleen Brigidina was made with 300 people at an Elgin Community College Native American Heritage Month event, called "The Great Listening." The purpose of the event was to honor the voices of all indigenous people and the Mother Earth. The Elgin Community College District 509 Board of Trustees approved the college’s first Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement at the Dec.13, 2022, regular meeting. The statement was researched and drafted by students in Antonio Ramirez, PhD, professor of history’s new HIS-150, History of Native America, course. “This is an important first step towards building more awareness of Indigenous people and issues, past and present, on ECC’s campus,” said Ramirez. “I believe that the students learned a lot through this process, and so did I.” The official statement reads: We acknowledge that Elgin Community College currently sits on the traditional homelands of Anishinaabe peoples, also known as the Three Fires Confederacy: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. Many ( All ) other Native peoples also lived on this land and in this region. Forced removal and violence, including the 1804 Treaty of St. Louis and the 1829 Treaty of Prairie du Chien, made way for European settlements, which eventually included the land where our campus sits. Native peoples have survived attempts to erase their culture, language, and heritage but continue to thrive on this land. Elgin Community College commits to sharing this history and promises to help cultivate a bright future for Native peoples on campus and beyond. Let this statement allow us to open our ears and sincerely listen to the voices of Native peoples. Let it be the beginning of a continuing, deep, and respectful relationship between ECC and Native peoples. Date: November 29, 2023 Facilitator: Kathleen Brigidina Partners: Elgin Community College Location: Elgin Community College, Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL, USA Previous Next

ec8359e9-99c8-4e19-a0ef-7cdb39d06ab6 Back to Gallery Mural # 11 Cherry Singing Tree of Hope 1/1 The Cherry Singing Tree, led by 5th grade artists at the Helen S. Faison Arts Academy in Pittsburgh, PA. Under Laurie Marshall's guidance, about 800 people contributed, including elders in San Francisco from China and S. America. The theme was "What is most important on this earth." 12' x 8' Date: August 19, 2006 Facilitator: Laurie Marshall Partners: Helen S. Faison Arts Academy Location: 7430 Tioga St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, 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