SMCSTU20 Hannah MontanteArt has the unique power to capture aspects of the veteran experience. For some veterans, art can be a way to process memories of war.
The Escalette Permanent Collection of Art presents a new exhibition, Creativity After Combat, that honors veterans, past and present and explores the unique experience of veterans through art.
In partnership with the Center for American War Letters and the Veteran Prints Project, the exhibition brings together work by well-known World War II veteran artist John Paul Jones and prints created from the testimonies of veterans recently returned from conflicts around the world. This dialogue between past and present illustrates the capacity of art to reflect on, document and express diverse experience.
Now through Aug.31, the exhibit will be located in the Henley Galleria on the 2nd floor of Argyros Forum. All are invited to contemplate the complexity of these experiences and explore the different backgrounds and perspectives behind this work.
The exhibit events include:
- Saturday, Feb. 22, 9–noon
- Photography Workshop for Chapman veterans
- Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6–8 p.m.
- Lecture given by Yvette Pino, founder of Veteran Prints Project
- Saturday, Mar. 14, 9 a.m.–noon
- Ceramics Workshop for Chapman veterans and their families
- Wednesday, Apr. 1, time TBD
- Poetry Workshop for Chapman veterans
- Saturday, Apr. 18, time TBD
- Yoga & Brunch Event for women veterans at Chapman
The Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art has 80 artworks made by veteran artists whose service is not often discussed. Most of these artists, such as Sam Francis, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Liechtenstein, and John Paul Jones served in the U.S. Army during World War II. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge their service to our country. In this exhibition, we have highlighted the work of John Paul Jones, whose prints illustrate the emotional effects of war and the strength required to transition back into society.
The Veteran Prints Project brings artists and veterans together in dialogue to visualize the experiences of veterans through the traditional methods of fine art print. This initiative seeks to create a living record of veteran experiences and perspectives through historical narrative and artistic interpretation. Subsequent to an interview, veteran participants are matched with local printmakers whose tasks are to artistically interpret the veteran experiences and perspectives. The original artwork and a short narrative are then displayed for public viewing in galleries across the country. The Veteran Print Project is an invitation to the community to honor and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives of our veterans. Visit veteranprintproject.com to learn more.
Chapman’s resources for veterans include the Veterans Resource Center, Chapman Veterans club and the Military and Veterans Law Institute.
Display Image at Top/ Yvette M. Pino, “In the Light You Will Find the Road,” Intaglio print, 2012
