David Wertz’ sculpture “Serenity” will be dedicated 10 a.m. Thursday at the Roanoke Rescue Mission.

UPDATE 1/24: I’ve replaced the original picture from the press release with a new photo I took on my iPhone.

The Roanoke Rescue Mission at 402 2nd Street S.E. will hold a dedication 10 a.m. Thursday for “Serenity,” a new sculpture made from recycled materials by Roanoke artist David Wertz.

The sculpture stands in the John A. Sylvester-Johnson Plaza, named after the late husband of Rescue Mission CEO Joy Sylvester-Johnson. The long-time director of programs at the Christian-based charity, he died in May 2012.

“Serenity” resembles a winter tree made of metal parts. Wertz says he hopes the sculpture conveys a sense of freedom from constraints on imagination.

In a statement from the Rescue Mission, Joy Sylvester-Johnson said that Wertz captured her husband’s vision of how recovery through Christian values works. “It’s not always easy, clear or pretty, but if we keep focused on God’s idea for our lives … it leads us upward beyond ourselves to another reality ’ closer to heaven.”

For more information call 343-7227 or visit rescuemission.net.