Iowa City photo exhibit shows New York City’s patriotism after 9/11

Iowa City residents who were living and working in New York City are sharing the photos they took of the city’s patriotism after the 9/11 attacks in a new exhibit.

Photos in “The Flag Project: New York City after Sept. 11” were taken in the days and weeks following Sept. 11, 2001, by Iowa City residents Sharon Beckman, a creative director who was living and working in midtown Manhattan, and Ron Pile, a United Airlines pilot who was flying on 9/11.

There was patriotism and flag-waving throughout the country, but Beckman and Pile were surprised by the patriotic fervor also sweeping New York City. Flags sprouted on cars and buses, fire escapes, scaffolding, windows, statues, museums, and offices, showing the world that New Yorkers were Americans first and New Yorkers second.

The exhibit runs from Friday to Sept. 26. The opening is on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Gallery hours during the exhibition are Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.

The ArtiFactory is located at 120 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City.

Due to safety concerns, The ArtiFactory is limiting viewing of The Flag Project to 20 at a time. If the gallery is at capacity, you are welcome to arrive anytime during the viewing hours and wait outside until space becomes available. Masks are required.