Glass Reflections on 9-11 is an art project to teach our youth how to take a negative, learn from it, and create positives from it; because everyone does have a 9-11 in their life. However it is how one overcomes the obstacles in their lives that define them.
Leatrice Guttentag was on the 80th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center on 9-11 when it was struck. She is a survivor of one of the most horrific American tragedies, and yet the experience has had a strange effect on her. It has given her a positive outlook on the world. She has great hope for this country and its citizens. Glass Reflections on 9-11 is her way to teach our youth how to take a negative, learn from it, and create positives from it; because everyone does have a 9-11 in their life. However it is how one overcomes the obstacles in their lives that define them.
The inspiration for Glass Reflections on 9/11 was a classroom project created by sixth grade teacher Michelle Dalton of Springfield, Ohio. She asked her class on the anniversary of 9-11 to write cards to Leatrice in order for them to understand that history involves real people, and is not something removed from their lives. The kids’ unexpectedly upbeat cards, filled with rainbows and flowers, made a strong impact on Leatrice because they were so opposite the grave expressions of concern made by most adults when they learned of her story.
The cards illustrated the optimism of children, and it is Leatrice’s goal, through creating a glass installation dealing with themes of tragedy and rebirth, to strengthen that intrinsic quality so that it will carry on with them into adulthood. Her vision is to use her love of art to bring positive, lasting images to children and adults throughout America. Her goal is to collect writings and drawings from youths across the country, working with families and teachers. They will learn of her story and how she is able to transform a hardship into a positive, and she will incorporate their responses into an installation that will impact even more people – because our country does need hope (and rainbows and flowers!).
There are many challenges ahead for Leatrice in order to realize her vision, but she is ready for them because she knows the importance of her goal. She is currently gathering funding for the project, as well as contacting other artists to collaborate on the installation.
Contact:
Leatrice Guttentag
Glass Reflections on 9-11
740-877-0967
www.glassreflectionson9-11.com
