Reproductions of Jamie Wyeth's September 11th Available for Sale, Proceeds Benefit Relief Effort
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Reproductions of the recent painting, September 11th, by internationally acclaimed artist Jamie Wyeth are available for sale to the public at the Brandywine River Museum. All proceeds from the sale of the reproductions will benefit the September 11th Children's Fund.

Wyeth created the painting for the September 24th issue of the New York Observer. In the wake of the events at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the newspaper contacted him with a request for a work on the subject. Although he usually does not do illustrations for the press, he agreed because of the special circumstances.

"I went to ground zero," said Jamie Wyeth, the son of artist Andrew Wyeth. "It was a couple of days after the tragedy, and smoke was still billowing from the site. I watched the rescue workers search for survivors and found the entire scene chilling, yet at the same time the determination of the workers inspired me." Wyeth returned home and completed the work in just three days. "It was cathartic for me," he explained.

The painting is based on the Iwo Jima Memorial monument and depicts a volunteer, a medical attendant, a firefighter and a New York City police officer defiantly planting the American flag atop a pile of rubble as flames reflect on their backs. A German Shepherd stands next to the group, ready to join the search effort.

Speaking of the painting, Wyeth said, "Now I know how my grandfather (painter N.C. Wyeth) must have felt doing all of those War Bond illustrations. When something of this magnitude happens, you feel helpless. This gave me some purpose. At least I felt I contributed in some way."

The reproductions, which measure 15" high by 22" wide, will retail for $25 each (plus tax). The printing of the reproductions was funded by a generous grant from MBNA America.

The original watercolor painting of September 11th was auctioned on November 26, 2001 at Phillips, de Pury and Luxembourg in New York City. Proceeds from the auction benefited the Twin Towers Fund.

The September 11th Children's Fund promotes the long-term emotional, mental and physical health and well being of children and families affected by the September 11, 2001 tragedy. The fund supports services to the surviving children of flight attendants, pilots and passengers of the airplanes that crashed; clerical workers, secretaries and others who were lost at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon; firefighters, police officers, EMS and other rescue workers who gave their lives so that others might be saved; and children who reside in the New York City and Washington, DC neighborhoods that have been devastated.

Located on US Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, the Brandywine River Museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Christmas Day. Admission is $5 for adults; $2.50 for seniors ages 65 and over, students, and children ages 6-12; free for children under six and Brandywine Conservancy members.* Individual audio tours can be rented for $3. Group rates are available with advance reservations. For more information, call (610) 388-2700.

*Effective January 19, 2002, admission prices will increase to $6 for adults and $3 for seniors ages 65 and over, students, and children ages 6-12.

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