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.
UAB building among Alabama’s first to feature ‘bird safe’ glass
Advocates hope the new glass will prevent window collisions, a leading causes of bird mortality.
Researchers look into community health impact of wood pellet production in rural Mississippi
Brown University and Tougaloo College students are testing for potential air and noise pollution near the Drax wood pellet plant in Gloster, Mississippi.
Alabama coal company sued for a home explosion is delinquent on dozens of penalties
Crimson Oak Grove Resources has been cited for 204 safety violations since the March 8 blast, many involving “significant and substantial” safety violations.
The United Auto Workers faces a key test in the South with upcoming vote at Alabama Mercedes plant
The United Auto Workers is aiming for a key victory at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama. More than 5,000 workers at the facility in Vance and nearby battery plant will vote this week on whether to join the UAW.
Gambling, ethics bills fall short as legislative session ends
Alabama lawmakers closed the books on this year’s regular legislative session Thursday. While Republican leaders passed many of their priority bills, perhaps the most talked about issue – gambling – died.
A look at what passed and failed in the 2024 legislative session
Alabama lawmakers have ended a 2024 legislative session that saw the Republican majority win approval for a number of their top priorities.
