Trees of Diversity exhibit inspires, delights

The magic and splendor of Christmas is well under way at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

The annual Trees of Diversity exhibit features its special collection of cultural Christmas trees until Dec. 29. Each year, the grandeur of this exhibit rises. In addition to the cultural Christmas trees and wreath display, local artists have created gingerbread houses of all shapes and sizes, a Santa’s workshop and special nativity scenes.

The heart of Trees of Diversity is capturing the rich cultures and groups that influence West Valley City. Una Mano Amiga, A Helping Hand represented the large Mexican population with its tree, “Merry Christmas Away From Home.” This reflects how many are celebrating Christmas away from their homeland. This tree shares what it’s like to celebrate Christmas in Mexico. Personal collections were donated for the ornaments such as piñatas, sombreros, dolls, clay pots and Mexican toys.

Another popular tree is entitled, “Butterflies Emerging from a Cocoon,” submitted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah. BBBSU brought the Christmas spirit of service with this tree. Training Coordinator Kristen Yancey said this theme was inspired by the following quote from Maya Angelou, renowned author and poet: “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps at-risk youth by pairing them with a volunteer mentor to create a match. This is when the butterfly transformation begins.

“We hope that through providing each child with a positive one-on-one mentor that they will evolve, change and take on the beauty of a butterfly,” she said.

Jodi Wilson is a big sister and especially loves this theme because she looks at herself as a butterfly as she volunteers as a mentor.

“To me, our butterfly tree represented the individuality and also the bonding of the matches,” Wilson said. “Just like the butterflies, we are all fluttering through life and sometimes have the opportunity to rest and share some time with others that we care about.”

The matches also got the opportunity to help create the ornaments for the tree. One match even brought beautiful handmade origami butterflies. Other matches added the sparkle on the pinecones and ornaments and wrapped the gifts under the tree. Both Yancey and Wilson developed the theme and felt it was important to get the matches involved.

“The ornaments created by the matches were much more creative than I ever would have imagined,” Wilson said.

It’s their hope that when the patrons view this butterfly tree, it will ignite something within them to find ways to serve within their community.

“Everyone has good intentions, but I challenge those that have ever been prompted to give of themselves through volunteer work to go ahead and do it,” Wilson said.