The project began in October 1996. The students and survivors, under the supervision of Marietta Dantonio and the guidance of three instructors, worked countless nights and
weekends on the creation until its final completion in August 1997.

The mural is an eight foot diameter circle, symbolizing the continuity, unity and balance of life. The outspread hands rise from the cleansing waters and support the bridge of life which represents the connection of life from infancy to elder years. The bridge encircles the nurturing cupped hands that emerge from the rainbow waterfall. You will notice the wings and brushes on the outer edges which indicate the boundary of safety in an enviroment of nurturing and healing where the family of animals dwell. The purple ribbon in the dove's mouth expresses survival and the wedding bands at the edge of the ribbon represent the life long goal of building trust
and family relationships after being a victim of abuse.

For all those involved the process of creating the mural, it was truly a healing journey. To learn to accept one's self and others with love and without judgement, to have acceptance of values, fears, thinking process and styles, creating was in itself therapeutic.

It is the goal of all those who paricipated in the creation of this healing arts mural that it be shared and hopefully it will help to inspire others on thier journey into healing.

The mural was donated to the Children's Advocacy Center in Delaware for permanent display.

The recording artist J.D. Peterson wrote a song to commemorate this mural
entitled "Journey Into Healing"