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'Free To Be Tree' Art Project Wraps Up

Jul 07, 2024 09:41PM ● By Nathalie Rosen

A Girl Scout-led community art installation - intended to inspire a sense of hope and unity in response to recent hate vandalism at Sand Dune Park - has completed its extended run.

Troop 4825, led by Cathy Campbell and Samantha Maynard, launched their "Free to be Tree" temporary art installation at the park on May 9. The installation was originally slated to come down on June 19 (Juneteenth) but at the request of residents, it stayed up until the end of the month.

"We wanted to turn a negative incident into a positive experience for our community," said Campbell. "It was about reclaiming the space and showing that love and unity can overcome hate."

The troop had launched the installation with three different mediums – crocheted yarn chains, beads on wire, and painted rocks – all readily available and earth-friendly materials. They encouraged all community members to add to the tree.

"It was important to us that everyone could participate," explained Maynard. "We wanted to make sure the materials were accessible to everyone, and we also wanted to be mindful of the environment."

Citizens and local “yarn bombers” rose to the occasion, adding crafts made from pipe cleaners, hand knit pieces, and engaging art crafted from repurposed materials like maps and magazines. Meanwhile, troop members monitored and tended to the installation.

Now that the installation has finished its run, the scouts have had a chance to reflect on the experience. 

"When we saw what had happened, we were all really upset," said troop member Nora Maynard,  "But then we started thinking about what we could do to make a difference. We wanted to create something beautiful that would bring people together."

"We've had so many people come out and add their own touches," added scout Anna Campbell. "It's amazing to see how much love and support there is in our community."

 

Troop leader Samantha Maynard summed up the response: "Every time I saw someone adding to the tree, it gave me hope," she said. "It shows that even in the face of hate, we can come together and create something beautiful."


Art Project Prompted by Hate Graffiti


On the morning of April 24, a resident of Manhattan Beach reported finding a noose hanging from a tree in a remote location at Sand Dune Park, accompanied by racist graffiti on wooden planks. The resident had shared photos on NextDoor and also spoke with MB News about the incident. 

By the time Manhattan Beach Police arrived, they did not find a noose. However, they issued a press release asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Seth Hartnell at (310) 802-5127.

Meanwhile, the Girl Scout troop saw the incident as an opportunity to take action. They designated a tree, located at the southeast stairs of Sand Dune Park closest to the cul-de-sac at 29th and Blanche, as the "Free to Be Tree" and invited the community to participate in artwork.

 

"Help us show that everyone is Free to Be in Manhattan Beach," read a sign at the base of the tree.

The tree was not the same tree as the one that was vandalized; that tree was in more of a remote location of the park. But this more accessible tree “gave everyone a chance to see and participate in the project,” said scout Olivia Fernandez.

Now that the project is over, the girls said they are proud that their effort demonstrated the power of community and the enduring spirit of love and inclusivity. 

As scout Mae Overholt put it, "We can't erase what happened, but we can show that our community is stronger than hate."


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