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.
Alabama environmental groups secure rare win in fight to update water toxicity standards
The new standards will reduce amounts of 12 toxic or cancer-linked pollutants in Alabama waterways, according to clean water advocacy groups that petitioned for the changes.
Breaking another presidential norm, Trump drops the f-bomb on camera
Presidents have been known to use salty language behind closed doors. But President Trump may be the first to very deliberately drop an f-bomb on camera.
Fired Justice Department lawyer accuses agency of planning to defy court orders
The accusations from a veteran government lawyer add to broader concern about the Trump administration's repeated clashes with the judiciary.
She hoped key research could help save her eyesight. Then the Trump funding cuts came
Jessica Chaikof says research into gene therapies could someday save her eyesight. But she worries cuts to federal research funding could mean that therapy won't be ready in time.
6 new books out this week, including true stories of trailblazers
But for many working adults, the summer can often feel the same as the rest of the year. So, maybe our idea of a "summer read" should encompass a wider swath of books? Here are a few out this week.
Purple Heart Army veteran self-deports after nearly 50 years in the U.S.
Sae Joon Park left for South Korea on Monday. His removal order was the result of drug possession and bail jumping charges from over 15 years ago — offenses that, he said, stemmed from untreated PTSD.