The feed mill located on Lake street, recently converted into an arts and cultural center, celebrated it's first exhibition by displaying two outdoor murals, each containing 16 panels.

Artist Vadim Moroz, of Jordanville, had created the "Tribute Towers" by winning a competition put on by Jay Bernhardt, the owner of the building.

The first tower, entitled "Pulsation of Eternity," was created to commemorate 9/11. Moroz said it was a difficult composition because he did not want to use horrifying images, but symbolic pictures to demonstrate his message.

"The upper row of panels shows the ruins with one face that looks more like a mask and symbolizes the tragedy, and red menacing sky with grey dust clouds in the background. The colors play an important role in connection with the impression of a terrible event; the event itself is not shown," said Moroz.

The second tower, "The Innocence of Time," represents the battle between good and evil.

Moroz explained, there is a constant battle humans face between good and evil. People are not merely good or evil, but have to choose. Sometimes, Moroz said, a person may have good intentions, but still have negative outcomes.

"People in this country did not see good and evil before 9/11," said Moroz. He explains that when good and evil are mixed, the outcome is 9/11. "I am glad the country has awakened."

The men of ladder 165, Engine 317, Battalion 54, from Queens, N.Y. and their families, who were visiting Cooperstown last weekend, were on hand to witness the exhibition. Noelle Hage of Cooperstown received an award for her contribution in bringing the FDNY to Cooperstown.

While FDNY was here, they participated in a charity baseball game on Doubleday Field against members of Cooperstown's Volunteer Fire Department. Money was raised for the widows and childrens fund of 9/11, amounting to a total of $1,650. Cooperstown High School students raised $592.38 of that amount and presented it to FDNY during the homecoming football game Friday night.

Moroz presented a replication of one of the panels to members of the local policemen and volunteer firemen in Otsego County. The panel was of the Statue of Liberty colored with an American flag.

"This event brings together fire and police men and women from Otsego County and New York City in an effort to honor them for their continuing work and service. Through this artistic display, it is the hope of the artist, Mr. Moroz, that the community will be ever mindful of this tragic event of 9-11 in the history of our country. It is my hope that there will be a metamorphosis, that from the tragedy of 9/11 comes a rejuvenation in rural America. This small town of Richfield Springs, New York is making its mark on the map with this display of solidarity for the whole country." said Jillian Bos, coordinator of this event.

Moroz, originally from Russia, moved to this country 7 years ago. Each country has it's own theme, he said, and America's is the home of Liberty.

The Richfield Springs High School Marching Band performed during the ceremony. Also attending was the Richfield Springs American Legion, Post 616 Color Guard as they stood watch over the murals throughout the ceremony.

Kent Barwick, President of the Municipal Art Society and Director of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance in New York City was present to speak.

Public Officials such as Gerry Buck, Mayor of Richfield Springs and Nicholas Palevsky, Richfield Town Supervisor were on site as well as Senator James L. Seward and Lyle Jones, County Emergency Services Coordinator.