Pillars of Hope exhibit now on Display at Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library

Montgomery County, TN – Montgomery County Government has recently accepted the Pillars of Hope exhibit from the Volunteer Clarksville organization.

As many may remember, the Pillars of Hope were created during the 9/11 Serve to Remember Days of Service in 2012, in partnership with the Austin Peay State University Department of Art Professors Ken Shipley and Cynthia Marsh.

This collection of hand painted ceramic tiles was designed to be mini-memorials to honor the heroes of 9/11.

The tiles represent patriotism, unity, hope and personal thoughts of those that chose to participate, and are displayed on fencing to replicate Ground Zero.

The Pillars of Hope exhibit will be displayed at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library to commemorate the anniversary September 11th. The display will remain up through the end of the month.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett states, “We are honored to be chosen as the new home for the Pillars of Hope exhibit and plan to display it annually to honor those that lost their lives on September 11 and to serve as a reminder of strength and pride for our country. Our thanks go to Rita Arancibia and Volunteer Clarksville for launching the project in 2012, and for entrusting Montgomery County Government with its continued use. I hope the community will stop by the Library over the next few weeks and check it out!”

“For the Fourteenth Anniversary of 9/11, it feels good to know that the Pillars of Hope have a new home with the County. I knew from the start of the project that it was an artistic journey of hope and needed a voice beyond what I could give it. Knowing the County will proudly display the public art is so very meaningful. I invite our community to take time to visit the exhibit, and find the hope in each hand-painted tile. It truly is a reminder of our nation’s strength and resolve; and I think it is a beautiful reminder that our greatest resource when we struggle is in each other.” said Rita Arancibia, 9/11 Serve to Remember Days of Service Coordinator.