Highwood artist pays tribute to 9/11 with sculpture
To honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, the City of Highwood will unveil a sculpture containing a remnant of the World Trade Center tower debris created by world-renowned local artist Julie Rotblatt-Amrany at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in front of Highwood City Hall, 17 Highwood Ave. The World Trade Center piece was a gift to the City of Highwood, and this bronze and stainless steel piece, titled "Solace," depicts a fireman taking a moment to acknowledge those who perished on that day.
"This piece was created to serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the heinous act of terrorism 14 years ago," Rotblatt-Amrany said. "Solace came as the we joined together as a nation to weather the loss and as we continue to remember and honor those who died on that day."
Midwest Young Artists will be on-site singing the national anthem, along with Highland Park High School's Chamber group, Voices Rising. A light reception will follow the dedication and the public is welcome.
The Falberg and Amrany families gifted this sculpture to the City of Highwood.
The Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany is a Chicago-based group of artists and designers known for iconic sculpture and design, with installations including public parks and urban development.
In the last 20 years in the United States alone, they have completed more than 200 public works of art. For information, call (847) 432-9925 or visit www.rotblattamrany.com.
Highwood was founded in 1868 by William Wallace Everts, a Chicago civic leader and educator. His concept of a family-based community has endured for more than a century. Everts Park, in the heart of downtown Highwood, has been named in the founder's honor. Benches and trees in the park celebrate and commemorate people who, through turbulent times and peaceful ones, built and sustained the community. Many of Highwood's street names recall Everts' family and friends.
The Village of Highwood was incorporated in 1887. The name briefly became Village of Fort Sheridan and then City of Fort Sheridan. In 1904, the community officially became known as the City of Highwood.
Fort Sheridan, a former army base slightly northeast of the city, has had a profound influence on Highwood's development, and it continues to do so today as part of its land, incorporated into the city, nearly doubled Highwood in size.
The City of Highwood administrative offices are at 17 Highwood Ave. For information, visit www.cityofhighwood.com or call (847) 432-1924.
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