RING OF PEACE

RING OF PEACE (1999) Bronze and Stainless Steel, Monumental Bronze, 19’ x 4’ x 3.5’

I created this sculpture in memory of Matthew Shepard, the University of Wyoming student who was murdered in 1998. The 19-foot tall memorial is located in Casper, Wyoming. I was driving home to Wyoming from Texas in 1998 after delivering a monument when my wife called to tell me that Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother, wanted to talk to me about a memorial to her son. Later, from my motel room, I awoke at 3 a.m. I have a habit of keeping a pen and paper next to my bed, so I quickly made a sketch and notes of my thoughts before falling back to sleep. The next morning, I noticed my sketch and the accompanying poem that had come to me through a dream. As I looked at it, I knew I would create this sculpture. cnavarroart.com

THE RING OF PEACE

If you believe in hope

And the need for peace,

Step up and ring the bell,

So it will sing

For the promise of tomorrow.