Guns into Plowshares

Guns into Plowshares is a steel sculpture at Eastern Mennonite University made from over 3,000 confiscated handguns shaped into the form of a plow. The work stands on campus as a focal point for conversations about peace and social responsibility.

The sculpture was created in 1997 by artists Esther and Michael Augsburger following a gun buyback program in Washington D.C. and was originally placed at Judiciary Square near police headquarters before relocating to its current location.

The sculpture references the biblical verse Isaiah 2:4, where weapons transform into agricultural tools, embodying Mennonite beliefs in nonviolence and peaceful resolution. Visitors encounter a tangible symbol of the community's commitment to resolving conflicts without force.

The sculpture sits on the open campus and is accessible to visitors at any time without restrictions. Viewing it from different angles provides varying perspectives on the scale and craftsmanship of the piece.

The structure incorporates firearms from multiple sources, including handguns from the Harrisonburg Police Department, making it a concrete record of community participation. This local connection adds a personal dimension that extends beyond its artistic value.