An evolving sculpture exploring growth, stewardship, and the community’s role in nurturing the young.
A sculpted hand, formed from cardboard and covered in redbud bark, holds a seasonal offering from the tree—currently green leaves and seed pods.
The bark comes from a redbud tree that Charlie’s school gave him on Earth Day when he was young. He planted and cared for the tree, and over the years, it has grown alongside him. The tree is now approaching maturity—as is Charlie.
The work draws a parallel between their growth and the community that nurtured both. By distributing trees, encouraging conservation, and fostering environmental stewardship, the school helped Charlie flourish just as the redbud has flourished.
As the seasons change, so does what the hand holds, allowing the sculpture to continue evolving. Charlie’s Tree is a testament to shared action, care for the natural world, and the collective responsibility of fostering the young.
