September 11, 2008 -  On the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York City and Washington DC, Tria Gallery presents CITIES OF PEACE:  Transforming Anguish Into Beauty.  There will be an opening reception on Thursday evening, September 11, from 6:00-8:00, with comments by the artist, Dr. Ellen Frank.  On display will be powerful and poignant illuminated paintings from CITIES OF PEACE  created by Ellen Frank and the Ellen Frank Illumination Arts Foundation (EFIAF).  CITIES OF PEACE is a series of monumental gold-illuminated paintings that honor the people, history and cultures of world cities that have experienced major conflict and trauma.  The paintings emphasize understanding as a prerequisite to peace and celebrate the best of the human spirit, transforming anguish into beauty.  They include New York, Beijing, Baghdad, Kabul, Hiroshima, Jerusalem, Sarajevo, Monrovia, and Lhasa.  The majority of these paintings will be on display at Tria, with the others available for viewing by appointment.  Smaller illuminated works inspired by CITIES OF PEACE will also be on display.