Pieces of Tiles for America will be displayed at the Jefferson Market Library
New York, NY- Today, 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 will be on display 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.”

“More than 11 years after the 9/11 tragedy, community support for the Tiles For America Memorial continues. The families and friends of these victims have shown great courage in continuing to honor their memory. The CCSA (Contemporary Ceramics Studios Association) would like to thank City Council Speaker Quinn and the Jefferson Market Library for their support in keeping these tiles in the community. Speaking for all pottery studios internationally, as well as our customers who contributed to the tiles, we are grateful to you for continuing this memorial,” said Kami Hatley, CCSA President.

“I am immensely grateful to the Jefferson Market Library, the September 11th Families’ Association and Speaker Quinn for arranging the exhibit of the 9/11 Memorial Tiles, which serve as a unique and moving testament to the resilience of the Greenwich Village community and our city,” said New York State Senator Brad Hoylman. “The 9/11 Tiles are part of the spontaneous outpouring of community spirit that sprang up in the aftermath of 9/11 and will continue to be a reminder of our collective strength in a time of adversity for years to come.”

“These tiles are a testament to the extraordinary global support our city received in the wake of 9/11. The generosity of spirit and outpouring of concern these tiles represent will never be forgotten,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer. “I want to thank the September 11th Families Association, Jefferson Market Library, and Speaker Quinn’s office for organizing this remarkable exhibit.”

“These tiles are remarkable, individual expressions of grief, shock and unity,” said New York State Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick. “This display is a poignant reminder of those emotions and particularly important as the Nation now engages in a discussion around gun violence. We are deeply grateful to Speaker Quinn, the 9/11 Tribute Center, and the Jefferson Market Library for making these tiles available for the public to view.”

“These tiles, created by individuals all over the world, serve as tangible reminders of the outpouring of support and hope that our city experienced after 9/11,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler. “Thank you to Speaker Quinn, the September 11th Families Association, and the New York Public Library for creating this exhibit, which will preserve these beautiful expressions of compassion and hope, as we all continue to remember and honor the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001.”

“With this exhibit, we are reminded of the strength and unity shown by our neighborhood and the city both on 9/11,” said David Gruber, Chair of Community Board 2. “I’m grateful to those who contributed over the years to creating this living memorial that we in Greenwich Village care so deeply about.”

“These tiles were a tribute to the tragedy of 9/11, and to the spirit of love and caring that was expressed in the creation of the tiles from people in the Village and around the country,” said Jo Hamilton, former Chair of Community Board 2.

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.

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