Roots of Humanity UNITY Panel Bringing Harmony and Inclusion

Through the fine talents of artists at Holdman Studios, the UNITY pillar brings together the human race in a focus of sincere friendship and strength. Gayle Holdman gives us a wonderful description of this panel.

The panel representing UNITY also includes Society, Family, Community, Inclusion, Support, Co-operation, Harmony, Belonging, Integrity, Connection and Fellowship shown literally and symbolically through imagery and language.

The designs in the border of the “Fabric of our Lives,” are from Morocco, Belarus, Ukraine, and Armenia.

As in the other panels, throughout the sky, there are subtle references to historical and cultural beliefs and explanations of Creation. To the left is Ahura Mazda, the supreme god of Zoroastrianism. Moving to the right you find the Chinese creator god, Pangu and the Inca god of creation, Viracocha. Also shown is Prometheus, the mythological Greek Titan responsible for creating Man and giving him fire, illustrated by his lighting the Olympic torch.

The International Space Station is the remarkable result of fellowship, support and cooperation between nations to be able to better understand the final frontier of the universe.

The Continental topography represents the majestic mountain peaks of Patagonia on the borders of Chile and Argentina as well as Uluru, in Australia. Uluru is a sacred site for the indigenous Anangu people and will be permanently closed to climbers in a beautiful display of unity and support in October 2019 out of respect for these original landowners.

The tall pillar in the upper right is the first modern Olympic torch, erected in Amsterdam in 1928. The Olympic games are one of the most internationally unifying events on our planet today. Whereas ancient games in Athens consisted of only males from one country sharing the same religious and political beliefs (echoed on the ancient Greek vase in the bottom corner), there are now around 200 countries in participation with varying religious and cultural beliefs and the ratio of women athletes is close to 50%. The Special Olympics and Paralympic games are that much more inclusive. These sporting events, although competitive, generally bring out the best within us and encourage harmony and a sense of belonging through team mentality, good sportsmanship, integrity, and common cause.

A wall representative of all walls -literal and figurative, physical and mental- is being torn down in order to remove that which keeps us separated from our fellowmen and blocks our understanding of each other.

To the left, a frail woman helps a soldier up from the ground. Reminiscent of Corrie Ten Boom’s powerful choice to forgive those who had harmed her and her family, it is a reminder that forgiveness and compassion are keystones to unity and bring peace to both the giver and the receiver, blessing individuals and nations. Additionally, it illustrates that each of us has something to give to the community and the world, be we fragile or strong.

A Native-American woman teaches a young girl to weave a traditional basket. The basket is comprised of natural fibers and include the ribbons of human character and the roots of hope. Ultimately, these positive characteristics featured in each of the Pillars windows are only words unless they are brought to life through our actions and we teach the next generation through example.

Tree bending is a technique where branches are woven and united in creative ways. While it can be purely decorative, it was also used by Native-Americans to create trail markers to assist those who would follow. These landmarks would alert travelers to possible rough paths, food or water nearby as well as navigation. This act symbolizes co-operation and thoughtful support of others.

A question for each viewer is chiseled in stone; “What is Unity to you?” There is a desperate need for greater unity throughout Humanity. As artists, our hope for each Pillar window is that it will inspire greater appreciation for and inclusion of these noble characteristics in all of our lives. In the spirit of that purpose, we have included this question to spark inner dialogue and conversations with each other about what Unity is and how to create more of it as brothers and sisters on planet earth. Your input and actions will influence the ultimate design of this Unity panel, as well as the next 4 panels; Knowledge, Creativity, Freedom, and Courage and will add to our mission to inspire, educate, and connect.