Artwork > Community Mural Projects > Intergenerational/Adult Projects

Shattuck Hospital Tree

This collaborative mural was designed and painted by members of the TREE Program community at the Shattuck Hospital in Jamaica Plain in March 2013. TREE (Transitional Rehabilitation Education and Employment) participants are adults who experience mental illness, and they brainstormed ideas related to growth, support, community, etc.

The design focuses on a tree imagined and drawn by one of the participants that doubles as a shelter with a trunk in the shape of a hand reaching out and a large heart providing inner strength. Windows in the tree's foliage welcome people into the program with a butterfly to symbolize metamorphosis and birds building a nest to represent family. The Vincent Van Gogh inspired night sky provides energy to the drummers singing a song inspired by the mural (a song that was both written and performed by participants during the mural process - see lyrics below). Growth is shown in the sprouting of a seed into a garden, and Keith Haring inspired figures rise up and dance together. The birds flying together in the top right symbolize the communal mentality of a flock of birds - working together as a group to fly forward.

Many thanks to art therapist Jenny Murphy and her interns who helped realize this project through their dedication, passion, and creativity, and to all of the participants who were empowered along their journey to recovey and shared their amazing creative spirits to contribute to this truly collaborative experience.

Lyrics to the mural's song:

We welcome you –

Plant your seed, watch it grow

It will be safe underneath this TREE

Our roots are deep, our branches are wide,

Abundant protection and strength inside.

Through the dark into the light

Night giving way to the day.

When the sun arrives it gives you new hope

Renewal, growth and rebirth.

Like birds of a feather we ﬂock together

Formations of strength, unity and peace.