Recently, at Parsons Place (the Free Arts building), some trees had to be removed from the area near the front entrance. Over time, they had grown progressively further away from the building and were producing a diagonal body based at the root. After a recent storm, it was clear that parts of the root were coming up through the soil, and the trees would one day land in the parking lot. When we consulted the landscaping company, they informed us that the outcome was inevitable due to the type of tree and its tendencies. Sadly, our only choice was to remove them.
What was the cause? The trees were growing in the direction of the light. They would continue to twist and grow out in a quest to rise above the shade that comes from being on the north side of the building. Apparently, too much shade can be a bad thing even in Arizona.
In our work at Free Arts, we use trees as a metaphor for the work we do. They are featured in our logo, and many staff and volunteers at Free Arts share a common habit of growing plants of their own. Trees and plants grow when they have the right mixture of support, and this aligns perfectly with our view of human nature and our opportunity to care for vulnerable people.
Yet, the recent tree removal demonstrates something at a deeper level. Our trees’ requirement for light caused them to evolve with the capability to reach toward it at all costs. If we allow “light” to stand in for “core needs” (such as food, shelter, safety, and belonging), then a cautionary tale emerges. Sometimes, a person’s struggle to meet their core needs can cause unintended damage and may backfire.
It is not the tree’s fault; it is simply trying to fulfill its needs. As for people, they aren’t so different. We have boundless ways to meet the core needs of connection to others, safety, and a perception of self-worth. And when our environment puts these necessary things too far out of reach, we might cope with risk-taking, isolation, aggression, or other attempts to manage our hurt in ways that jeopardize our long-term health.
Creative moments at Free Arts are a form of light. And despite being in Arizona, there is still more need for light! In programs, participants can feel the warmth of belonging. They sparkle with a sense of accomplishment. They cooperate in spaces that are willing to be flexible and support each person’s unique quest to find their light.
Together, we make it easier to bring the metaphor of “light and trees” and make a resilient reality for people. The impact of our creativity is clear, and it is evident in how our fiscal year looks in review.
Thanks to you:
- We offered trauma-informed, intentional art activities to over 6,000 people from October 2024 to September 2025.
- We have brought a new form of light to Tucson by providing Free Art Days and Weekly Mentor Programming, while also recruiting local mentors and artists.
- We brought more light by innovating our camp experience to work within summer and school-year breaks while serving twice as many participants as the prior year.
- We shed some new light on the professional child-welfare services world by sharing outcomes regarding the impact of the Free Arts program at national and state-level conferences.
- We offered light and hope to many who are seeking a safe place to belong. Places that accept them as they are and allow them to participate and experience creative opportunities at their own pace.
In the garden of life, Free Arts is a place where we see that resilience and hope are possible because they are innate to being human. We simply need to make it easier to find the light. And when we do, everyone shares in the result.
Thank you for inspiring us to strategically grow towards the light in fiscal year 2025!
Matt Sandoval, LMSW, M.Ed.
CEO of Free Arts
