Mae Runions

Tree of Life

Main Atrium, Regent College, 1988

Regent College was founded in 1970 and held classes for a time in an on-campus frat house.

When the new building was nearing completion, this work was commissioned to hang in the soaring skylit atrium. The theme for the hanging developed as the Arts Committee reflected on references to Regent College at the cornerstone ceremonies, as a transplanted tree.

The idea of a tree growing and flourishing became linked to biblical themes. A person (or a college!) who trusts in the Lord is likened to a tree, which planted by a river, bears fruit, even in drought (Jeremiah 17:8; Psalm 1:3). Further biblical references led into the larger theme of the Tree of Life as a symbol of God’s presence, the River of Living Water flowing from it, dispersing God’s presence throughout creation (Gen. 2:9,10; Rev. 22:1,2) and giving everlasting life (John 4:13).

In the hanging, the Tree is fruitful, full of life and vitality; it lives from the River. The River sustains the Tree, the Tree necessitates the River. And God’s presence never fails.