The IBEE Tree

The IBee Tree was installed by students, staff, families and community members at Alice Birney School in University Heights in July 2010. Originally the idea of Rob Tobin, with A Reason To Survive (ARTS), the mosaic tree consists of pieces selected by students, staff and community members. The mosaic remains a symbol of hope and community even though the actual building on which it is installed will be restored by June 2013 after an arson fire destroyed the interior in January 2012. We were so lucky not to lose this amazing piece of art, and given that we got lucky and the fire touched almost everywhere else on the building, and the school has suffered a number of setbacks because of the arson fire, I feel it is appropriate to nominate this piece of art for this year's orchid. The tree mosaic is a symbol of hope, perseverance, caring and innovation and remains (although masked by temporary fencing while the restoration takes place) a shining example of how a community can invest in their future through their neighborhood school.