The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy is a collaborative mixed media artwork created by children aged 2.5 to 4 years. This piece uses the powerful symbol of a tree to explore identity, belonging, and the dreams we carry into the future.

 

The roots of the tree are intricately intertwined with the names of people from past generations—family members, ancestors, and influential figures who have shaped our lives. These names represent the strength we inherit and the unseen support that holds us up as we grow. They serve as a visual reminder that we are deeply connected to those who came before us.

The trunk is covered in eyes of many different colours and sizes, each one representing the individuality of the children and their unique ways of seeing the world. These eyes are also symbolic of vision—our collective hopes for a future shaped by empathy, diversity, and creativity.

Around the eyes are mixed media elements representing what the children hope to be when they grow up. These images reflect their early understanding of identity, their curiosity about the world, and their limitless imagination.
The leaves of the tree symbolize legacy. Each one represents the dreams, values, and personal traits the children hope to pass on to future generations—kindness, courage, honesty, and love.

The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy is more than a tree—it is a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and what we hope to become. It is a joyful and thoughtful expression of community, individuality, and the enduring impact of our shared humanity, as seen through the eyes of our young artists.

 

Story Submitted by Adette Smith and Sam Barrish from Nido Early School Mount Hutton, Published in April, 2025.