The Girl Puzzle, soon to open in Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island, arrives from a seed planted by Susan Rosenthal. While still RIOC President/CEO, she imagined a tribute to pioneering journalist Nellie Bly and made an artists’ call for ideas. Once they rolled in, she convened a team of reviewers made up of residents and RIOC staff. They made the final design choice.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Susan Rosenthal and The Girl Puzzle

“Because the idea of a memorial to Nelly Bly on the north end of Roosevelt Island was mine, meeting Prometheus, understanding and appreciating their remarkable concept, choosing and advocating for them to realize their vision, was one of the most exciting projects of my time as president of RIOC,” Rosenthal told The Daily.
Prometheus Art is a Kentucky based studio and foundry. One of the owners, Amanda Matthews designed The Girl Puzzle.
Even so, the current RIOC administration did not invite her to the opening on December 10th. Nor have they credited her efforts, without which the installation would not exist. But she’s coming anyway.
“While it has been disappointing not to be involved in its development,” Rosenthal added, “I am so excited to see— and walk through— The Girl Puzzle.
“I am certain this amazing public art will have an extraordinary impact on the Island.“
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Factors That Affect Commercial Solar Panels’ EfficiencyWant to know how to ensure optimal commercial solar panel efficiency? Explore the various factors that influence performance, from weather to cleanliness.
- Get Your Girl Scout Cookies NowLeire and Itziar are selling Girl Scout Cookies, offering FREE Shipping from March 20 -27. 5-package minimum and 12-package maximum per order. You can place as many orders as you want. We also offer Girl
- The US Remains a Grim Leader in Preterm Births. Why? And Can We Fix It?Tamara Etienne’s second pregnancy was freighted with risk and worry from its earliest days — exacerbated by a first pregnancy that had ended in miscarriage. A third-grade teacher at an overcrowded Miami-Dade County public school,
- Common Woodworking Problems and SolutionsProfessionals and hobbyists understand the woes of woodworking. Fortunately, a few woodworking problems have smart solutions you should know.
- Immobilized Astor Place Cube Slated to Spin Again by SummerThe iconic Astor Place Cube, which has been immobilized for nearly a year because of structural damage, would be restored to its original free-spinning glory by July 17, under a proposal from the city Department
[…] her return to Roosevelt Island, Susan Rosenthal shares her thoughts on The Girl Puzzle, a project hatched in her RIOC […]