Augusta artist captures spirit of attack aftermath
It comes as no surprise to Maryanne Kelly Hand that more than $1 million was raised locally for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Maryanne Kelly Hand's drawing depicting firefighters raising the American flag amid the World Trade Center rubble was recently presented to New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.
Photo by Tim Cox
''Around these parts, we're a great people," said Hand, a graduate of Atlanta Art Institute and continuing education teacher at Augusta State University.
The Augusta artist has drawn a pen-and-ink rendering depicting firefighters amid the rubble of the World Trade Center titled Our Spirit Rises.
The drawing, along with $1.2 million, was presented to New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani on Sept. 27 when Mayor Bob Young and a local delegation traveled to New York.
A limited and signed number of prints are available at some Richmond, Columbia and Aiken county fire stations.
''I communicate best through my art," Hand said. ''My parents loved New York and traveled there every chance they got. New York, New York was the last song I sang to my mother before she died," she said.
''This was my way of helping. This tragedy just makes you cry. Those firefighters and police are special people and very appreciated."
The rendering can be purchased for $25, with proceeds benefiting the Fallen Brother Fund.
''We're a wonderful city and still want to give. My art is another incentive and gives people a chance to get something for their donations," Hand said.
Prints also are available at Bailie's Art Center on Washington Road, the Party Center on Robert C. Daniel Parkway and Merry Times in Surrey Center.