Anne Marie Fuller:

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Nov 10, 2009 | by Anne Marie Fuller

GO GREEN CHRISTMAS TREE -- The Tracy Adult Resource Program has kicked off the holiday season with its "Go Green Christmas Tree," which is made completely out of reclaimed and recycled materials.

The tree stands 7 feet tall and is on display at the Grand Theatre, 715 Central Ave. in Tracy.

"I liked the idea of doing this because it involved all the students," said Toni Lilley, a teacher with the program.

"It's a three-panel tree, in the shape of a triangle, that is made of donated and recycled materials. We have triangles with chicken wire that we painted and hinged together to form the 3-D tree. Donated ribbon was used throughout the tree as the ornamentation. This project was possible because of a grant we received from the City of Tracy Waste Management," she said.

The true story of this grand project doesn't lie within the tree or where the materials came from, it lies in the hands and hearts of the students who lovingly put together this unique tree.

Tracy Adult Resource Program is made up of young adults with developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, autism and cerebral palsy. Its goal is to help these adults become as independent as possible.

"Working on the tree made me feel happy," said student Richard Morin. "It shows the community that they are a special part of our lives. It also shows how hard we work to show the community that we love them. We accomplished a beautiful tree that is about 7 feet tall."

I had an opportunity to go on an outing with the students and was able to see first hand how this program works. Things that are quick or easy for me to do, such as picking out a puzzle to buy, can be more difficult for some of the students. I often have taken these simple things for granted.

The program is funded through the Tracy Unified School District and is based at 650 W. 10th St. Now the students are giving back to the community that has helped them along the way.

"This is a good collaboration project between the city and the public to promote art in public places and the recycling of materials," said William Wilson, gallery supervisor for the Grand Theatre. "We are trying to bring together like-minded community support for civic art in public places. I think this tree is consistent with promoting recycling within the city."

This is the second major recycling project undertaken by the students. Last year, they built a 4 feet-by-6 feet American flag out of recycled Coke and Pepsi cans and white medicine bottle caps. The finished flag was on display at city hall from the first week of July through the first week of August.

What makes a piece of art beautiful? It is often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes it might just be found in an unconventional form, such as a bundle of recycled chicken wire carefully crafted into a piece of art. Sometimes it's the story behind the scenes that makes it truly a work of art.

Fore more information about the program, call 209-830-3288.

For more information on the Grand Theatre exhibit, call the box office at 209-831-6858.

Anne Marie Fuller is a Tracy arts commissioner and the host of "Helpful Hints with Anne Marie," which can be seen weekly on cable Channel 26 and satellite Channel 99. Reach her at annemarietv@juno.com.