INDIANAPOLIS — On May 1, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office unveiled a maquette (small scale model) of public art that it has commissioned to be displayed in Marion County.
The “Peace Dove” — a custom metal sculpture made out of firearm parts is being created by Ryan Feeney, an Indianapolis firefighter and the founder of Indy Art Forge. The artwork will serve as a memorial to victims of homicide in Marion County. Feeney was also the creator of the Fallen Deputy Memorial that stands in front of the Marion County Jail, and the bronze eagle at the Indianapolis 9-11 Memorial. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the destruction of firearms used in the commission of crimes and will supply Feeney with the fragments of destroyed firearms to create the “Peace Dove.”
Throughout the next year, Sheriff Layton and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office will be raising funds to create the “Peace Dove,” estimated size to be almost twice as large as the maquette. The placement and location of the sculpture is still under consideration. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is also planning a public tour of the “Peace Dove” maquette.
Sheriff John Layton stated: “A memorial of this nature is needed in our community. We see this sculpture as a great opportunity to raise awareness for homicide victims and the needs of their surviving family members. It is also important to support public art and there are many excellent examples, including the artwork along the Cultural Trail and in Eskenazi Hospital. I believe that the people of Marion County will embrace this memorial to homicide victims, both for its incredible artistic value and what it will represent to the community.”
