Allied Arts hosted the “Thank You for Your Service” opening reception July 7 to honor the veteran artists from the Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH).
“With July being a month about independence and celebration, we wanted to partner with the Georgia War Veterans Home to honor the veterans and their service,” said Kristin Allen, program coordinator at Allied Arts. “And ultimately, the exhibit is what was produced from this partnership.
We are very excited to have debuted it and give people a chance to see the veterans’ artwork.”
The Georgia War Veterans Home is a skilled nursing care facility for veterans located in Milledgeville.
According to the Georgia Department of Veterans Services, it is operated through an agreement with United Veteran Services of Georgia and contains a GDVS Veterans Field Service Office to assist veterans in the area. The home serves Baldwin, Hancock, Putnam, Washington, and Wilkinson counties.
At the reception, several veteran artists were present alongside community members that visited. Veterans happily pointed out their creations and spoke about their enjoyment of the art.
“This exhibit is a collection of art over multiple years from the Georgia War Veterans Home,” said Michelle Flood, activities director for the Georgia War Veterans Home. “Many veterans have contributed to the artwork displayed here from the present and past. All of it is a beautiful effort by our veterans to show their creativity.”
During the reception, Flood spoke briefly in thanks for the veteran’s service and her appreciation for the exhibit, noting it to be another service by the veterans who contributed.
“Thank you for your service and continued service by creating art,” said Flood to the veterans. The exhibit has a total of 43 pieces that were accumulated over multiple years. Some of the pieces were created during art therapy at the home, where veterans have a chance to explore the creative process and make art in an art studio. “The Georgia War Veterans Home has two art therapists working here and a large group of staff who are passionate about art. So, we have a very artistic and creative community, which I think is rare to see going strong for so many years,” said Flood.
According to Flood, the veterans meet every Tuesday for art therapy and this opportunity has created a “unifying space” within the home. Through the partnership with Allied Arts, Flood hopes to expand that unifying space beyond the Georgia War Veterans Home into the community.
“For our residents, art therapy is a unifying space that allows them to express themselves and enhance their skills. It is very empowering,” said Flood. “This exhibit is a way for our residents to be seen and for the community to recognize them for their great talents and wide-range of skills. They are still serving the community in numerous ways.”
The exhibit is open through July 21 at the John Marlor Arts Center. Visitors may view the exhibit Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We are very thankful to be able to host this exhibit and honor their service,” said Allen. “We are proud to be able to connect the community with our veterans and give them an opportunity to show off their art.”