Tree of Life exhibit to open at Thanksgiving Point

LEHI — A first-of-its-kind exhibit will soon open its doors to the public at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.

It’s called the Tree of Life — a project eight years in the making. Founded in 1995 by Alan and Karen Ashton, Thanksgiving Point has become an iconic landmark off Interstate 15 at the Point of the Mountain in Utah County, known for its 55 acres of gardens and landscape along with a variety of museums.

The new Tree of Life exhibit, which is based on a vision by a prophet named Lehi in the Book of Mormon, is being constructed on the far south end of the gardens. For visitors, it will be an awe-inspiring and larger-than-life interactive experience that spans more than two acres.

Inspired by Lehi’s dream written in the Book of Mormon, the Ashtons said a 165-foot iron rod will lead visitors up to the 40-foot tree. Off to the side, a 35-foot tall “Great and Spacious Building” will be built.

An exhibit for all

Karen Ashton said the exhibit is for all to enjoy, no matter religion or walk of life.

“This is a story told all over the world. Every culture has its representation of the Tree of Life,” she said.

“What you feel when you see this is love,” said Angela Johnson, the sculptor and visionary behind the project. “The detail should engender that feeling inside of curiosity what is going on tell me the story.”

The exhibit will also include 120 larger-than-life bronze statues representing people and cultures from across the world as they travel the path either toward or away from the tree.

“It either takes us in a path of light and progression, or it moves us into a place of confusion and chaos,” Johnson said.

Utah County glassmaker Andrew Shaffer has taken on the intricate artistic task of making the fruit of the tree, which represent the love of God.

Using basic tools

“I’m using basic tools that have been around for thousands of years,” Shaffer said. “I think it’s an appropriate material to show light, because actually, glass was responsible for showing the light of God.”

And it’s this light, peace and love of God the Ashtons are hoping all will experience as they walk the path of the Tree of Life exhibit.

“May this little spot on the earth be a place where people can contemplate this great plan and story, and especially the sacrifice of the Son of God, for all of us,” Karen Ashton said.

The exhibit is in its final construction phase and is scheduled to open to the public in mid to late October.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and insight into this undertaking watch Dan Rascon’s 30-minute documentary “The Tree of Life Rooted in Eternity,” on Saturday, Oct. 5 at noon after the Saturday morning session of 194th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on KSL TV.