In March 2026, the Athentikos team partnered with Semillas de Cambio in Guazacapán, Santa Rosa, Guatemala, for a powerful four-part Recycled Tree Art Workshop with students ages 16–18. Through art, storytelling, and reflection, participants journeyed through the themes: I AM ART, I AM BROKEN, I AM RESTORED, and I AM LOVED.
Led by Noe Chan Xirum with assistant Jorge Pablo Hernandez, the workshop invited students to create symbolic tree artwork using recycled branches, melted wax crayons, glass frames, and spray paint. What began as a simple art project quickly became something much deeper.
At first, many participants were hesitant and resistant. Some treated the activities as a joke or struggled to understand why they were creating something beautiful, only to “destroy” it during the brokenness phase. As black paint covered their artwork and heat melted carefully arranged wax leaves, emotions surfaced. Several students openly wept during prayer and reflection times, while others began having honest conversations with mentors about pain, identity, and healing.
One of the most moving moments came when a participant, overwhelmed as his artwork was being altered, was reminded to “trust the process.” That phrase became central to the entire workshop—not only artistically, but spiritually.
During the restoration phase, students carefully removed the paint-covered layers to discover that their artwork underneath remained intact and beautiful. The reveal sparked amazement and joy throughout the room, with students exclaiming, “How beautiful!” and “Can we take it home?” Many began restoring and protecting their pieces with newfound care and meaning.
By the final session, the transformation in the group was undeniable. Students who had once been guarded were now engaged, respectful, emotional, and eager to share what they had learned. Conversations deepened, tears were shed, and participants began embracing the message that they are loved, valued, and created with purpose.
The workshop became far more than an art experience. It was a visual and emotional reflection of the Gospel: that even through brokenness, God restores and reminds us of our true identity.
