September 11th Tiles of Tribute Exhibit Poster

Christine Quinn, Speaker of New York City Council

Lee Ielpi, President of 9/11 Tribute Center

Installation of September 11th Tiles of Tribute, Jefferson Market Library

Speaker Quinn and the September 11th Families' Association Unveil 9/11 Exhibit

Christine Quinn, Speaker of New York City Council, announcing the Jefferson Market Library exhibit, September 11th Tiles of Tribute & Healing.

Pieces of Tiles for America displayed at the Jefferson Market Library

City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, the September 11th Families’ Association and the New York Public Library unveiled an exhibit of ceramic tiles that were a part of New York City’s first-ever spontaneous, living 9/11 memorial. The dozens of tiles on display were once affixed to a fence at the corner of Greenwich and 7th Avenues following the attacks of September 11, 2001. The artwork served as a message of hope and comfort in a time of sorrow, and remained until the autumn of 2012, becoming a revered tribute to those lost and injured on 9/11. The exhibit is displayed at the Jefferson Market Library, a branch of the New York Public Library system, a few blocks from where the original memorial stood.

"These tiles, both symbolically and visually beautiful, serve as a memorial to those who perished on 9/11, and are a tribute to the compassion and strength of our city," said Speaker Quinn. "This exhibit is an important historical record to this community and to the city as a whole. We will continue to ensure that these pieces of art are preserved and cherished."

"This beautiful memorial created from tiles made by people from all over the world both inspired and brought comfort to the community of Greenwich Village," said Lee Ielpi, President, September 11th Families’ Association.

"The Library is honored to display these treasured expressions of hope and support, which for so long have served as heartfelt tributes to those lost on 9/11," said NYPL President Tony Marx. "We thank City Council Speaker Christine Quinn for bringing these important works to our Jefferson Market Library, a center of the community that stands mere blocks from the original location of the memorial."

"The Tiles for America Project was created by Lorrie Veasey at her studio, Our Name Is Mud, which was next to the fence. This exhibit was created for the Jefferson Market Library by the 9/11 Tribute Center and the September 11th Families’ Association. The mission of this organization is to gather and share the personal stories of the impact that September 11th had on New York City, and to remember the tragedy as well as the healing power of people helping each other.

Click here to redirect to the New York City Council webpage and download the full press release.

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