The Ocean County Library Manchester Branch is pleased to feature New Jersey artist Ben Collura’s vivid, poignant exhibit, “Remember 9/11, Plus Other
Artwork,” through September 23. Visitors are invited to meet Ben during his artist’s reception, 2 PM Saturday, September 9.

The mixed media exhibit features Collura’s interpretations of the moments before the former World Trade Center towers absorbed the impacts of hijacked airliners in the terrorist attacks of 2001. New York City bore about 2,753 of the estimated 2,977 lives lost.

Intermingled with the jumbled downtown Manhattan skyline are stars, billowing clouds, and skylights symbolic of artist lofts near the site.

Collura says that the immediate and lasting impacts “beyond imagining“ prompted his series of images. “These intuitive expressions encompass what I, the artist, understands in ‘critical thresholds,’” he said.

“Each composition amplifies in its own way the island’s jeopardy before the storm to come…my intent is to conjure up the thoughts of a rainbow, a powerful symbol of peace, prosperity and covenant love,” he said.

Among the Newark native’s accomplishments are a mural for the New Jersey School of Medicine and Dentistry, a granite memorial for the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains, and a 12-foot sculpture for St. Stephen’s Church in Pennsauken.

“Remember 9/11, Plus Other Artwork” is free and open to the public during normal Branch operating hours. For more information, visit the OCL Manchester Branch, 21 Colonial Drive, or call (732) 657-7600