"Path of Peace" sculpture dedicated

The Path of Peace sculpture, created by artist Ron Dinsdale, was dedicated September 24, 2012, on the DMACC Urban Campus grounds in Des Moines. Laura Douglas, DMACC Urban Campus Provost, opened the dedication with words of welcome, after which DMACC Urban Campus voice student Mary Chuol shared her vocal music talent. DMACC President and CEO Rob Denson imparted some history and facts about the DMACC Urban Campus.

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Special guest speaker was Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, a champion for peace issues. “The sculpture standing behind us is a reminder that peace is not an aftermath of war, nor the absence of war. Peace is a process, a virtue, a state of mind.”

DMACC Student Activities Council President Eva Sandoval, representing the diverse body of students, stated, “The sculpture couldn’t be in a better place.”

A lifelong dream of sculptor and artist Ron Dinsdale, the Path of Peace sculpture has been a labor of love. The idea for Path of Peace originated from Dinsdale’s youth, growing up on a farm and in nature’s surroundings. He said, “I always felt at ease while in [nature’s] presence. When I was knee high to a grasshopper, I enjoyed walking out in the grove, watching birds fly as if they were interwoven as one. There was always a feeling of peace and tranquility. Those doves were forever turning, and that movement is what I have always strived to convey in my sculptural endeavors.”

Dinsdale certainly achieved his mark with Path of Peace. Out of the 14½ tons of Indiana Bedford stone emerge three doves, their paths intertwined. Representing harmony, freedom, and the rights we cherish, the doves indeed are forever turning.

Following the presentation by the sculptor, Chet Guinn from the Iowa Peace Monument Committee stated, “Peace sculptures themselves do not bring peace, but they serve as a reminder. We have to put our living bodies out there.” The last speaker of the day was Frank Cownie, Des Moines Mayor.

After waiting four months for the quarry to find the appropriate stone, Dinsdale spent six months carving every single day to create the sculpture. Path of Peace can be seen on the north side of I-235, near the exit for 6th/7th Streets. The DMACC Urban Campus address is 1100 7th Street, Des Moines.