The School of Human Ecology at the University of Texas at Austin commissioned Susan Wallace to create a Tree of Life honoring Dr Phyllis Richards. The 24ft x 15ft wall sculpture is central to a donor campaign for an endowed Professorship in Early Childhood Development.

The passage of natural light through an eastern exposure enhances the play of shadows as it mixes with available light and skates across the raised surfaces of the Tree. A myriad of line and shadow are accented by the lyrical rhythm of copper and brass leaves.