The Story Behind the “Circle of Peace” Sculpture

Made by Gary Lee Price, a talented American sculptor, “Circle of Peace” has become an iconic asset to Green Lake Conference Center. The piece was anonymously commissioned and donated to Green Lake Conference Center in the early 2000s for every guest to enjoy.

The following is how Price described “Circle of Peace:”

“I watched on television an interview with a former white supremacist. At age 18, he was imprisoned because of his violent anti-racial acts. The interview became very interesting to me as he recounted his reformation while in prison.

He told how, prior to his sentence, he vehemently avoided people of other races. Simply: they were to be hated, they were to be abhorred, and they were to be despised. For a time, he was in solitary confinement. Overnight, he was placed in an environment where interaction with men of many colors and from many cultures was a welcome experience. Relationships developed. Biases subsided. Upon release from prison, he found himself free from the prejudices and bondage that previously had tied his hands and soul.

Today, he takes a radical stand against such actions, like those found in his own sordid past, by speaking out in public forums. He exposes the thought process and violence of hate groups. He coaches a multicultural youth hockey team.

This story fascinates me. The prejudice could only occur when there was no interaction. When the associations were built, the barriers were destroyed. Friendships occurred. This idea is what “Circle of Peace” represents: portraying children from all walks of life playing with and enjoying each other. The circle that the children form represents the continuum of humanity. The clasped hands represent the interaction and cooperation, together with compassion and respect, which engender humanity. Respect for each other’s uniqueness bridges the gap between any indifference. I created a space in the circle, and it is fascinating to watch children interact with the piece. Quickly, they notice the gap and instantly clasp the two outstretched hands and complete the circle. Each and every person is a vital element in this wonderful circle of life.”

Just as Price said, the gap between two children invites people to join in on the joy and inclusion. For years, guests from all walks of life have come, held the children’s hands, and filled in the gap; a beautiful metaphor for the inclusion that Price worked so hard to emulate through the “Circle of Peace.”