A ‘wishing tree’ carries residents’ hopes for the country’s future

“Equal rights for all.”
“Wisdom and integrity for our leadership.”
“Kindness.”
“Everyone is treated with love and respect.”
“Guided by empathy.”
“To be more eco-friendly toward nature.”
“Lower living expenses.”
“Diversity makes us stronger.”
“Individual freedoms.”
“Healthcare for all.”
“The country continues to prosper with dignity.”
“Democracy!”

These are some of the hopes for America that local residents wrote on ribbons hung on a “wishing tree.”

The project was hosted by the Mason District Arts Council as part of its Mason Arts 250 commemoration of the nation’s 250th birthday.

Related story: Mason District Arts Council brings history to life

During several recent Mason Arts 250 events, Erin McVadon Albright asked people to write a short phrase on, “what is your vision for the future of the country?”

On Saturday, June 27, during the DMV Asian Night Market in Annandale, Albright and other volunteers hung the red, white, and blue ribbons on a tree at the entrance to the Eileen Garnett Civic Space at 7200 Columbia Pike.

“The Founding Fathers imagined something that was not there,” Albright said. “Our heritage is about imagining. We want people to think about where this country could be in the future.” 

Related story: Asian Night Market draws crowds to Annandale

“So many people are mired in despair about what is being lost,” she said. But things can change, beginning at the local level.

“Trust and community building are happening in Annandale. One example is the DMV night market. We want to build on that spirit, that feeling of community,” Albright said. “That’s at the heart of a functioning democracy.”

Another Mason Arts 250 project was also carried out during the Asian Night Market: Community members worked on a mural with a Statue of Liberty theme designed by Omaid Sharifi of ArtLords. The mural will be displayed next week on the fencing at the Eastgate apartments under construction on John Marr Drive.