… The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) has selected Amanda
Matthews/Prometheus Art to construct the Nellie Bly Monument on the northern
end of Roosevelt Island at Lighthouse Park. The sculptural installation will
be known as “The Girl Puzzle” and invites the viewer to experience many facets
of Nellie Bly’s talent, conviction and compassion. The ground-breaking
journalist and women’s rights advocate exposed the horrors of the Blackwell
Island Insane Asylum in 1887 on Roosevelt Island.“I am proud of the selection committee’s dedication to choosing such a
passionate artist to honor the accomplishments of a woman who was truly ahead
of her time,” said Susan Rosenthal, President and CEO of RIOC. “The committee,
made up of RIOC employees and community leaders, unanimously selected this
bold installation that will not only represent Nellie Bly’s time here, but her
impact on the world.”…
Tomorrow, December 10, The Girl Puzzle will open to the public.
I spoke with The Girl Puzzle artist Amanda Matthews today who invites everyone
to come see the Roosevelt Island monument honoring journalist Nelly Bly.
Here’s a sneak peek of The Girl Puzzle at Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park.
According to
The Girl Puzzle website:
Learn much more about
Nelly Bly and The Girl Puzzle here.
According to RIOC:
Roosevelt Island!
Join us for the opening of The Girl Puzzle Monument honoring Nellie Bly
tomorrow, Friday, December 10th, starting at 12 PM in Lighthouse Park.The monument, opening to coincide with Human Rights Day and designed by
Amanda Matthews of Prometheus Art, illuminates women who have endured
hardship but are stronger for it.This is a free public event. Please note that there will be limited seating
but standing room only space will be available. Kindly wear warm clothing as
we expect cold weather.We look forward to seeing you at this important celebration of women’s
empowerment, diversity, and inclusivity.
Here’s former RIOC President Susan Rosenthal presenting the initial idea of The Girl Puzzle Nelly Bly memorial to the October 7, 2019 RIOC Board Real Estate committee meeting.
According to Ms Rosenthal:
… This came about as a result of the discussions we had with Judy Berdy of the Historical Society about the importance of Nellie Bly as well as a program that our Community Affairs Department did with the New York Public Library…
Ms Mathews Girl Puzzle presentation to RIOC Board followed Ms Rosenthal.
“The Girl Puzzle” honors journalist Nellie Bly, one of the island’s most famous, albeit temporary, residents. In 1887, at age 23, Bly acted her way into being committed to the Blackwell’s Island insane asylum to report on the conditions there. https://t.co/RSrQ3bRslA
— The Lily (@thelilynews) November 3, 2021
Welcome The Girl Puzzle Nelly Bly Monument to Roosevelt Island.