Exhibit Showcasing Art By Veterans Opens Friday
Returning soldiers often suffer from the lingering psychological trauma of war. Studies show one way to help veterans cope is through making art. This Friday, the visual arts organization Space One Eleven debuts “Reflections of Generosity”, a veteran-focused art exhibition that expresses the complicated feelings of life after war.
“Reflections of Generosity is a collection of art mostly made by veterans as a way to work through some emotional issues that they may have and some difficulties the may have as they’re transitioning back to civilian life,” says Cheryl Lewis, Director of Programs at Space One Eleven.
The traveling exhibit is the brainchild of Army Sergeant Rob Kelsey, who served 16 years in the military. Kelsey spent the week in residence at Space One Eleven, leading art and writing workshops for teens, veterans and families of veterans.
Lewis says she’s thrilled Kelsey could bring his love of teaching and art to Birmingham. But Kelsey admits it took time and effort to get this far.
“Personally, I was in Iraq back in 2009, I was struggling with how to deal with all of the war,” says Kelsey. “I saw first hand and soldiers I saw that committed suicide and even ones that were killed.”
Kelsey started making art and journaling. His journaling eventually became the book Reflections of Generosity. He also wanted to get more of his fellow veterans, artists, and veterans-turned-artists, involved in an event.
“That became an art exhibit that then traveled around to different military bases,” comments Kelsey. “We’re now up to over 200 art pieces from 12 different countries.”
The exhibit is presented in conjunction with another by Samford University professor Larry Thompson. Thompson’s exhibit, Infantry Project, displays the effects of war on millions of American soldiers and their families since 9/11.
Additionally, Kelsey hosts a panel discussion at Samford University at 11:45 am on Friday in the Samford Art Gallery. The discussion focuses on the history of art therapy programs since the attacks on 9/11.
Critics said ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ would flop. They underestimated Turtle Power
After 35 years, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is back in theaters. The film's director looks back on the obstacles to making it in the first place.
With replay review and ‘robot umps,’ who is still trying to become an MLB umpire?
Between replay review, automated balls and strikes and viral lowlights on social media, the work of baseball umpires has been transformed by technology. But none of that has deterred aspiring umpires.
Inside one of the most understaffed immigration courts in the country
The Chelmsford, Mass., court has hemorrhaged judges, a consequence of the Trump administration's seemingly contradictory efforts to downsize the federal government and increase immigration arrests.
Is Kari Lake a CEO? Her agency said so. The law suggests not
Kari Lake has sought to dismantle Voice of America and its federal parent, the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The agency has recently called her its acting CEO. But the law suggests she's not eligible for the job.
With midterms more than a year away, a record number of lawmakers are eyeing the exits
A record number of Congressional lawmakers have announced they don't plan to run for their current seats in 2026, including three sitting senators leaving Washington to run for governor.
High prices and healthcare costs may turn Latino voters away from Republicans in 2026
Latino voters helped deliver the White House to President Trump in the last election but many of them already say they won't vote for Republicans next year, but they aren't yet turning to Democrats.
