“The Buddy Tree”, 36×36″ on mirror substrate printed and painted with enamel, was commissioned by the Fleming family. It was given as a gift to the Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International, Anthony Kennedy Shriver. It is a large unique piece inspired by the music and lyrics written by Bret and Lea Fleming. Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This project also had special meaning to me, as my son Jake also participates in BBI locally and it is an integral part of his social life. I listened to the words and music, and in consultation with the clients, came up with a tree concept where the leaves are heart shaped. Although all the leaves are the same shape, each one is different. This represents how we are all humans but with different unique qualities. The tree holds all of these hearts together and they visualize the lyrical themes of inclusion, equality, and opportunity for all.
Below is Bret and Lea’s story about the inception of “The Buddy Tree” and what BBI means to them.
Bret Fleming and “The Buddy Tree”
Bret Fleming and his family have been on the ‘quest’ for his INCLUSION in life, since he was born. In 1989, it became more of a mission for Bret and his family because he was sent out of his neighborhood school district to attend a ‘special needs’ program. He was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at the age of 5, explaining why he was delayed developmentally. After many trials and tribulations, Bret became one of the first individuals in NJ to be ‘INCLUDED’ in his home school district beginning in 3rd grade. He and his family also won his court case in NJ by allowing him to participate with his peers in his graduation ceremony without receiving his diploma! That case also cleared the way for other individuals to do the same. He received his NJ State Endorsed Diploma 2 years after having completed his high school transition program.
While attending Berkshire Hills Music Academy in MA, Bret became deeply involved in Best Buddies International. Upon returning home, he was determined to find a chapter of Best Buddies. Starting in 2002, up until the present, Bret has become totally immersed in the mission and vision of Best Buddies. What’s so uncanny about it is that Anthony Kennedy Shriver founded Best Buddies in 1989, the same year Bret and his family began their ‘QUEST FOR INCLUSION’! In 2018, the NJ Chapter was created. Through all these years, Bret became a buddy, a performer and spokesperson for Best Buddies as a State Ambassador, Global Ambassador and Advisory Board member in NJ. He’s continued his role as an advocate for Inclusion for Best Buddies.
When Covid hit, Best Buddies stepped up and made sure all their ‘BUDDIES’ were connected via Zoom. The whole Fleming Family was thankful for these meetings for Bret and others to stay connected to the outside world. His mom became so immersed in Bret’s love for BB that she was inspired in a dream with words to a poem about Best Buddies. Bret took the words, amended them to fit into a song for which he told his music producer, Gabriel Gomes, that he wanted it to sound like an anthem. Hence, the creation of the Best Buddies Anthem: THE BUDDY TREE.
Since Covid interfered with the yearly Best Buddies Leadership Conference, in 2022 Best Buddies created a video that opened the Leadership Conference using Bret’s song “The Buddy Tree” for the opening ceremonies of the virtual event!
Since hand writing all the lyrics on the mirror wasn’t a viable option, I tried a new process to print the image and lyrics onto the mirror surface. The is the machine that can print on anything!
Hot off the press, ready to paint.
Painting in progress.
Finished piece.
Bret and Lea pose with the finished work.
I promise not to bombard you and only to tell you about good things when they happen.