Through a soaking rain and under cloudy skies, two bronze "Children of Peace" danced Thursday on the lawn of the Utah County Historic Courthouse.
And they'll continue to dance for seasons to come as they celebrate peace in the valley and throughout the world.The figures are the creation of artist Gary Price, commissioned by the Women's Division of the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce and unveiled in ceremonies conducted by chamber president Steve Densley.
They represent children everywhere, who deserve to grow up in peace, said Lily Smith, president of the chamber's Women's Division.
Smith said the funds raised in the annual "Aura of Autumn" fashion event over the past three years have paid for the statue.
Densley said the women approached the chamber in 1994 to find out what contribution they could make. The statue is the result.
"I hope it's a starting point for more - more statues, more artists asked to participate," said Price, who said that it's been too long between statue dedications in the county.
The statue features doves of peace, olive branches and the shape of the world as well as the two dancing children.
But Price said the focal point for the statue is the clasped hands of the two figures. "I really feel when we join hands there's nothing we can't do," he said.
"This is an example of what can be accomplished when we work together," said Utah County Commissioner David Gard-ner.
Utah County donated workers to help pour the concrete base along with the space on the courthouse grounds for the statue. Geneva Rock contributed the material.
Dignitaries and business leaders from around the county gathered to witness the unveiling held in the rain under tents put up by Provo city.
"This is a wonderful tribute to this community and to this valley," Densley said.