Albany, NY (February 12, 2002) - - - Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority today announced that more than 3,000 paper doves made by children of the Capital Region will soon fly above the ticketing area at Albany International Airport. The doves will form Healing Wings, a sculpture project conceived by area artist Richard Lovrich in collaboration with Albany artist Lillian Mulero.
"I wanted to create a work of art with many components, each commemorating the life of someone lost on Sept. 11," said Lovrich. "Ultimately I decided to direct the creation of many sculptures, in this case paper doves, each one formed by a child's hands."
The Healing Wings project offers a framework for school children of the Capital Region to participate in raising funds for the Cantor Fitzgerald Fund. One hundred percent of the money the students donate will be used to provide emergency short-term financial assistance and emotional and mental health support for Cantor Fitzgerald employees and others who lost loved ones during the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center in New York City.
The basic component of the sculpture is a folded paper dove made by each child. Each child has also contributed one dollar to the Cantor Fitzgerald Fund. The dove was designed by Robyn Cross, a teacher from Goff Middle School in East Greenbush.
Over 3,000 doves embellished with color, collage and the written word have been collected from more than 35 local schools. Artist Mulero will attach the doves to coiled lengths of wire to produce an amorphous floating shape of an ever-changing flock of birds soaring together with purpose.
"By their participation in the process, children can help bring support and comfort to others in need, and to themselves," said Sharon Bates, Director of the Airport's Art & Culture Program.
The Healing Wings sculpture can be seen on the First Floor of the main terminal near the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
The public is invited to a reception to recognize the students, artists and teachers participating in the project on Saturday, March 9th at 11:00 a.m..
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