A “face of hope” was unveiled at Sky Ridge Medical Center’s healing garden on July 7.

“Transcendence,” a 6 1/2-foot bronze sculpture by Scy Caroselli, was unveiled as the newest part of the hospital’s healing garden, surrounded by stones decorated by the handprints of the hospital’s founders.

“We can get through whatever challenges we face,” Caroselli said. “When we go beyond what we believe our limits to be, we reach transcendence.”

The rough texture of the flowing cloak on the back of the statue represents hardship in life. This part of the statue faces the cancer wing of the hospital.

The front of the statue is smooth and transitions from dark to light coloring. It faces the pediatric hospital. Caroselli said that the color and texture of the front of the statue represents healing and perseverance.

The face of “Transcendence” took longer than the rest of the sculpture to complete. The artist wanted to ensure that anyone who looked at the face felt peace and serenity.

“The piece was very important to me,” Caroselli said. “I just wanted to make something that represented all of us and how we don’t give up.”

Judy and Charlie McNeil donated the sculpture to the hospital. The McNeils have a deep connection to Sky Ridge Medical Center, since eight of their 10 grandchildren were born in the facility.

“We fell in love with the sculpture and the message it brings to us all,” said Judy McNeil. “Sky Ridge is an excellent hospital that means so much to our family. This magnificent sculpture in this beautiful healing garden will signify hope.”

People from throughout the community attended the ceremony to support the new artwork.

“With this inspirational and transformative piece out here, there is a new depth to the experience that folks going through so much when they walk through the (hospital) doors,” said Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet. “Art is important to the community of Lone Tree.”