Veterans’ Experiences in Art and Words
A Call for Art – Deadline March 15, 2019
Paul Bouchard (veteran) “Missing Peace #10”
Every member of the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members embark on a journey of experiences that are both shared by many, and specific to each individual. Those experiences can be complex and enduring – perhaps lifelong. Their impact and intensity may be hard to grasp for those outside the Armed Forces community. The “Journeys Onward” exhibit of 2D and 3D artworks, accompanied by the artists’ written words, reflects the military experiences of veterans – retired or currently serving – or their family members. The exhibit creates an opportunity and forum for artists to share their past experiences and their journeys onward. Many veterans and their families want to tell their stories, but starting the dialogue can be difficult. Often, art can offer a common ground for those conversations to start. Communication is what this exhibit is all about.
The “Journeys Onward” Call for Art is open to current or past members of the U.S. Armed Forces (i.e. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard), the Reserve Corps of the U.S. Armed Forces, or the National Guard; or a member of the immediate family (i.e. a parent, sibling, child (by blood, adoption, or marriage), spouse, grandparent, or grandchild) of a current or past member of the U.S. Armed Forces (i.e. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard), the Reserve Corps of the U.S. Armed Forces, or the National Guard. All 2D and 3D media are accepted and the exhibit is juried. Artists should reflect in their respective medium some aspect of the veteran experience. Please visit www.wickfordart.org to read the “Journeys Onward” prospectus then apply online. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM MST.
Cynthia DiDonato (military family) “Night Rescue”
Continuing its tradition of melding innovative art with community relevancy, the Wickford Art Association brings “Journeys Onward” to those who have participated in the military experience and those who have an interest in understanding that experience. With an opening reception on Sunday, May 19, 2019 from 1 to 3 PM, the exhibit runs May 17th through June 16th with related events including the screening of award-winning films and related presentations.
Since 1962, the Wickford Art Association (WAA), a non-profit arts organization, has hosted numerous fine art exhibits, classes, workshops, monthly lectures and demonstrations. Ranked as the #7 fine art festival in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, WAA produces the annual Wickford Art Festival featuring 200 plus fine art artists from around the world. The Festival was voted “Best Of” by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine and ranked #1 in New England. As part of its community involvement, WAA hosts an annual scholarship competition and awards $3,000 to three of Rhode Island’s top public high school seniors accepted into an art college. Exhibits and opening receptions are free and open to the public. Wickford Art Association is dedicated to educating, encouraging and inspiring artists and art lovers throughout the community.
Wickford Art Association hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and Sunday noon to 3:00 PM. Admission to the gallery is free, open to the public, handicap accessible with free parking. For more information, contact Wickford Art Association at (401) 294-6840 or visit http://www.wickfordart.org