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You are Needed. You are Loved. You Matter.
There are some messages children need to hear over and over again: You matter. You are needed. You do not have to be like everyone else to have value. That is the heart behind The Piece That Is You , a children’s book by Gayle Holdman that uses the image of stained glass to teach kids something simple but powerful: every person has an important place or "piece" in the world. We recently spoke with Gayle about the inspiration behind the book, the message she hopes children tak
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Apr 164 min read


Voices Behind the Glass XII
An Inside Look at the Sphere of Light from One of Its Visionary Creators Welcome back to our Artist Interview Series, where each month we spotlight one of the talented artists bringing the Sphere of Light to life. Today we’re excited to introduce Peter Kemp who is one of the key glass pickers & artists helping to craft this center for good. About the Artist Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in stained glass? My name is Peter Kemp. I have bee
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Apr 95 min read


Courage and the Strength Within
Excited to show the design renderings for the Courage panel on level one of the Sphere of Light. Working on this scene was both engaging and demanding. As humans, we each keenly understand internal struggles and the need to confront them with courage. As artists, we hoped to illustrate that in a way which was universally applicable and understood. The images on this level come from a more simple or childlike perspective, which is why we rely on stories, legends, and myths. I
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Apr 22 min read


How to Bring the Seven Pillars Into Everyday Life
The Roots of Humanity Seven Pillars Windows: Knowledge, Creativity, Faith, Love, Unity, Freedom ,and Courage are more than works of stained glass. They are invitations. Each one reflects a quality that lives within us and calls us to grow into the best version of ourselves. These pillars, or values are not meant to remain ideas we admire from a distance. They are meant to be lived. When we bring them into our daily choices and interactions, they begin to shape how we see the
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Mar 263 min read


A Center for Growth.
The SPHERE OF LIGHT is being created as a place where growth becomes a shared pursuit of humanity. It is meant to be a space where people can gather, reflect, learn, and discover together. We are excited to share the latest renderings of this inspiring project. The SOL will feature more than 10,000 square feet of stained glass, along with spaces designed for educational conferences, meaningful events, and community experiences. Every element of the structure is intended to e
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Mar 191 min read


Voices Behind the Glass XI
An Inside Look at the Sphere of Light from One of Its Visionary Creators Welcome back to our Artist Interview Series, where each month we spotlight one of the talented artists bringing the Sphere of Light to life. Today we’re excited to introduce Amber Oscarson who is one of the glass selectors and painters for this monumental project. About the Artist Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in stained glass? I started doing stained glass with Tom
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Mar 124 min read


What Humanity Means Across Cultures
Across cultures, people express humanity in different ways, but many of the same values show up again and again. We see it in how we care for others, how we build community, and how we recognize something greater than ourselves. Even though languages, traditions, and beliefs differ, the basics often stay the same: connection, compassion, and a sense of purpose. In some cultures, humanity is centered on community. A person is understood through their relationships, and caring
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Feb 262 min read


The Responsibility of Thoughtful Design
Design is not just about what looks right. It is about what feels right, what serves the story, and what honors the people and ideas being represented. In a project as layered as the Sphere of Light, every decision carries weight. Many of the scenes within the Sphere begin with broad ideas. Unity, love, Courage, Knowledge. These ideas are universal, but how they are expressed matters. Early concepts often leave room to explore different directions, and part of the work is d
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Feb 192 min read


Voices Behind the Glass X
An Inside Look at the Sphere of Light from One of Its Visionary Creators Welcome back to our Artist Interview Series, where each month we spotlight one of the talented artists bringing the Sphere of Light to life. Today, we are excited to introduce Chad Young, a project manager and designer who is helping craft this monumental space. About the Artist Can you share a bit about your art background? My name is Chad Young, and I work at Holdman Studios on the Sphere of Light pro
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Feb 123 min read


Why Art and Story Matter for Global Peace
At the heart of every culture, community, and person is a story. Stories carry our memories, struggles, and hopes for the future. When paired with art, those stories take on new life. They move beyond words and become shared experiences. This is why art and story are not just creative expressions. They are powerful tools for peace.
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Feb 52 min read


Bringing the Sphere of Light to Life
The Sphere of Ligh t is a monumental space that will feature 10,000 square feet of illustrated glass. Its purpose is simple yet profound. It is meant to be a center for good . The Sphere seeks to illuminate the divine light within every human soul and inspire each person to share that light within their own sphere of influence. It will serve as both a sanctuary and a symposium, a place to reflect, to learn, and to lead. A project of this size can only come to life through
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Jan 292 min read


Our Love Designs Come to Life
Get a first look at the final design for the first floor Love panels, located next to Unity. As mentioned in our earlier post, Level One focuses on the individual entering the world and beginning their journey. Each pillar is seen from a slightly more youthful perspective. As such, these illustrations of Love include myths, fairytales, and stories from cultures across the globe. Each individual scene is filled with a multitude of meaningful details that could realistically fi
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Jan 222 min read


Voices Behind the Glass IX
An Inside Look at the Sphere of Light from One of Its Visionary Creators Welcome back to our Artist Interview Series, where each month we spotlight one of the talented artists bringing the Sphere of Light to life. This month, we’re featuring Pollyanna Tullis who plays an important role in shaping the SOL. As an artist and shop manager, she brings creativity and consistency to every part of the process. About the Artist Can you share a bit about your background and how you g
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Jan 154 min read


Where Every Life Begins
Sneak peak of the early stages for the Birth Scene featured in the Unity Panel Every human soul begins in the same way. If we want to truly acknowledge every human life, we first have to acknowledge how that life begins. The Sphere of Light is meant to feel like a lived experience, not just something to observe. That is why our design concept begins with birth. From the moment a visitor enters, the intention is to invite reflection on their own beginning, or the birth of a ch
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Jan 82 min read


A New Year, A New Beginning
The first day of a new year is a simple beginning. It marks a shift in focus, a chance to reset, and an opportunity to move forward with clear priorities. January 1st reminds us that progress starts with intention, not pressure. Choosing Direction Over Expectations The start of a new year often comes with pressure to reinvent routines or set ambitious goals. But meaningful progress rarely comes from ambitious promises. It grows from knowing what matters most and letting those
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Dec 31, 20252 min read


Preparing for a Year of Light
Christmas Eve often feels quieter than the days around it. The rush of preparation slows, people gather where they can, and there is a brief pause before the year turns over. It is a natural moment to reflect, notice where we are, and where we want to go next. As the year comes to an end, many people think about what they want more of and what they want to leave behind. Clarity. Direction. Better relationships. A calmer way of moving through the world. These questions connect
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Dec 24, 20252 min read


Voices Behind the Glass VIII
An Inside Look at the Sphere of Light from One of Its Visionary Creators Welcome back to our Artist Interview Series, where each month we spotlight one of the talented artists bringing the Sphere of Light to life. Today we’re excited to introduce Nick Laywer who is one of the key artists and designers in crafting this monumental space. About the Artist Q: Can you share a bit about your art background and how you got started in stained glass? Ever since I was little, I hav
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Dec 18, 20255 min read


Finding Sanctuary: Why Spaces for Reflection Matter
As the final month of the year unfolds, it carries a unique rhythm. Celebrations sit on the horizon, schedules fill up, and a steady stream of demands can make the season feel full even before it begins. In moments like these, quiet spaces of reflection become essential. They offer more than rest. They offer renewal. The Sphere of Ligh t is envisioned as a sanctuary for reflection, a place created to help individuals step out of the rush and into a setting where calmness and
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Dec 11, 20252 min read


Cultivating Peace in a Season of Division
December often brings people together in celebrations, traditions, and moments of reflection. It also arrives in a world where tension, disconnection, and division feel increasingly common. In the season, the call to cultivate peace becomes both more urgent and meaningful. Peace, as expressed in the guiding vision of the Sphere of Light, is “ not the absence of struggle; it is the daily discipline of compassion, justice, and understanding. ” It is a practice shaped not by per
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Dec 4, 20252 min read


Honoring the Season of Community & Connection
As Thanksgiving approaches, this week offers a meaningful moment to pause and reflect on the spirit of the season. Beyond familiar traditions, Thanksgiving is a time centered on gathering , connection, and recognizing the people who bring light into our lives. This season highlights how community shapes every meaningful experience. Growth, learning, creativity, and service all flourish when people come together. Whether through collaboration, encouragement, or a simple act
Roots of Humanity Foundation
Nov 26, 20251 min read

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