‘Traveling 9/11 Memorial Painting’ hung in Encinitas Fire Station No. 2

ENCINITAS (KUSI) – A painting commissioned to raise money for the families of firefighters who perished on 9/11 traveled to San Diego County firehouses — by way of Encinitas.

The piece, "Traveling 9/11 Memorial Painting," was hung Friday at the Encinitas Fire Station No. 2, 618 Birmingham Drive.

The painting is owned by Encinitas resident and Realtor Wendy Moldow, who believes it "belongs to those who risk their lives every day to save others."

Moldow purchased the 3-foot by 4-foot oil painting at a benefit event for "Wounder Warriors." 

"It represents an opportunity to honor our first responders and their courage as they risk their lives for us every day," Moldow said.

Shortly after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Carlsbad artist Kelly Lucas was commissioned to paint and then deliver it to New York City, where it was auctioned off to raise money for the families of fallen firefighters.

According to the Seaside Courier, a restaurateur purchased the painting for more than $30,000, but said when he hung it in his restaurant it made people too emotional. He decided to return it to the artist, still pleased with his donation.

Moldow came across the painting about a year ago when Lucas organized the Wounded Warriors fund-raising event at Pacific Sotheby’s Realty in Encinitas — Moldow’s workplace.

After hanging the piece in her home, Moldow said she began to realize it was destined to hang in a fire station. 

The painting will remain at the Encinitas station for three months. Moldow said she plans to draw from a hat to determine which firehouse the piece will go to next, and said it will stay at each station for three months before traveling to another within the county.

Fire officials and an Encinitas City Council representative were on hand Friday — the 14th anniversary of 9/11 — for a brief ceremony to hang the painting at Encinitas Fire Station No. 2.