About this Exhibition

Using the tree as a symbol of life, many amazing women let their imaginations run wild to find out the kind of tree they were as they explored their journey of survival. They considered the questions like: What nurtures your tree? How does your tree adapt to changes? What kind of seeds is your tree housing? Who provides your tree with light, water, nutrients, and caring? How would you describe the fruit you offer? Where do your roots extend? Where or what is the core of your tree? What is your tree made of? and What would your tree like to tell you or others? Everyone was encouraged to play and lose themselves in their creations. There was much emphasis on self-love and self-care as survivors acknowledged and respected what they felt throughout their process of self-discovery.

Some Story Trees are currently on exhibit at the AWBW studio and they were also included in the 5th and 6th annual exhibit of survivor art at the Kellogg Gallery, “Visual Voices Against Violence.” This exhibit was part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month events hosted on campus by Cal Poly Pomona’s Stop Violence Grant Office.

Thank you to all of the amazing women who have transformed their stories into these beautiful paintings sharing your courage, strength and growth with others!