- January 20, 2025
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by: Logan DeBerry
Marketing Specialist, Halifax Health
Local artist, interfaith minister and former hospice volunteer Joan Baliker has donated her bronze sculpture "Peace" to Halifax Health–Hospice.
Baliker is a 90-year-old Ormond Beach resident. "Peace" is a life-sized, self-sculpture of a little Lutheran girl meditating that demonstrates an intersection of faiths.
“I believe every religion is saying the same thing at base level,” Baliker said.
After studying religions, she grew to honor all spiritual paths and worked to incorporate the sentiment in a collection of sculptures known as "Peace Seekers." The sculpture being donated to Halifax Health–Hospice was the first of the series and speaks to the demand for increased communication and connection around the world.
Baliker has exhibited her works at art shows around the country to help observers find common ground. For years, "Peace" has elicited emotional responses from viewers of all backgrounds and experiences.
“It is my hope that just viewing 'Peace' will help us find some measure of hope for the future,” Baliker said.
Visitors and patients walking through the Halifax Health–Hospice’s outdoor garden will be able to interpret the imagery and reflect upon its nameplate’s inscription, “Peace Begins Within."
“We are honored to be installing an incredible work of art like 'Peace' at the Halifax Health-Hospice Ormond Beach Care Center,” said Kathryn Nagib, foundation manager at Halifax Health. “Joan Baliker’s demonstration of quiet meditation will enrich the lives of many by serving as both a conversation and reflection piece for patients and their loved ones.”
In the future, Halifax Health is looking to further enhance facilities with additional artworks. To learn more about Halifax Health Foundation, visit eshop.halifaxhealth.org/foundation
