Eleven men from different walks of life, ranging in age from early twenties to late sixties, came together to create the first Singing Tree mural made in a state prison in Colorado. The project was facilitated by Ray Ramcharan, the godson of Laurie Marshall, with the goal of supporting the freeing power of imagination for people in this highly restricted and repressive environment.

As everyone worked on a common goal, men unknown to each other gained connection. They laughed and listened to each other. Conversation took place. A sense of community developed with deepened respect for one another. Through witnessing the effort made and risk taken by each one and the unique individuality of each participant, this group of inmates became more supportive of each other, rising above the limiting and harsh circumstances of prison. Creating this painting empowered the people to participate in the healing formation of community.

Ray created the Master Design; the outside UTC team painted it on canvas and added everyone’s birds and leaves. The symbolism includes the roots coming down from the tree that turn into the prison bars. The hands stretch the bars apart as the prisoner creates internal freedom for himself. The glowing earth chooses to regenerate and thrive. The angel wings draw upon help from the Divine, the Higher Power, opening the bars, the mind, and the soul. The heart on the right is life-giving, honoring that humans can’t live without trees. The roots are like veins that are feeding the baby tree from the mother tree.

This painting is a collaboration between the outside world and the confines of the prison walls. The inmates offer this gift to the world outside.