Introducing: The ITE Mural Project

Coming of Age Through Experiences in Nature

What is the ITE mural project?

The mural project is a gift to commemorate ITE’s journey over the past 18 years. It will tell a story of coming of age told by members of our community.

How can I be a part of this project?

Keep an eye out for information on the different phases that we’ll be debuting throughout the year and how you can get involved.

Phase #4 – Coming soon…

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Phase #3 – Complete! ✅

The present – What is your EcoJoy?

EcoJoy is all about the simple pleasures in nature that fill us with joy. What are the little wonders that make you feel deeply connected to the natural world?

Phase #3 involved painting the official ITE Mural!

At our Find Your EcoJoy event, youth artists, Mia & Rem, guided community members through filling in the outline of a nature scene. The scene shows a Desert ironwood and its significance as a nurse plant. Just like the seasons of coming of age, this image depicts the seasons and what can be seen at those times in our beautiful Sonoran Desert.

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Phase #2 – Complete! ✅

The past – When you were younger, who inspired you to connect with nature?

Phase #2 was opened to ITE donors, youth, alumni, and families on Giving Tuesday 2023. These ITE community members wrote thank you letters to those who inspired their connection with nature when they were young.

“I want to thank my dad for helping to develop my love of nature. Thank you Dad for taking me camping and canoeing, fishing and skiing, and for inspiring me to look to the stars.”

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Phase #1 – Complete! ✅

The past – “Capturing the childlike connection to nature”

The connection to nature that forms when we’re young can influence and remain a vivid part of our lives as we mature into adulthood.

Phase #1 was debuted at Cyclovia on October 29th, 2023. Community members created art in response to the question, “what is your favorite childhood memory in nature?”