CREC Purchases Statue Designed to Break Down Barriers

The Circle of Peace, a new statue at CREC’s Reggio Magnet School of the Arts, encourages children to touch and become a participant in the circle.

The Circle of Peace was designed by sculptor Gary Lee Price, of Utah, and installed at the school on May 28. A similar statue was installed at CREC’s International Magnet School for Global Citizenship in November 2014.

The statue represents how social interaction helps to break down barriers and eliminate prejudice, and it portrays children from all different backgrounds and ethnicities playing together.

“This work of art sends a message that all children are welcome and highly-valued here,” said CREC Executive Director Bruce E. Douglas of his decision to install the sculpture.

The statue features seven children who form a circle. The circle represents the continuum of humanity. Hands are joined together, which represents interaction, cooperation, compassion, and respect.

Price has said he purposely created a space in the circle to allow children to interact with the piece. Children can close that gap by joining hands with the children in the statue.

The Circle of Peace was part of the school construction budget, which allows for 1 percent to be used for the arts.

“Our school building was thoughtfully designed to provide our students with an environment that is engaging and that inspires creativity and collaboration,” said CREC Reggio Magnet School of the Arts Principal Josephine Di Pietro Smith. “The Circle of Peace statue is a meaningful addition to our school environment and is a beautiful reminder that our goal, as educators, is to create an inclusive and supportive learning community for all children.”