The Gallery at Carrollwood Cultural Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Operation Helping Hand are pleased to present Star Spangled Art, an art show of works by current and past patients of James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital throughout May.
The in- and out-patients participating in the show use art as a method of therapy during recovery from their wounds and injuries, many of which are war-related. Most of the participants in the show are active duty servicemen and servicewomen,although a few are retired veterans.
“I am an 82-year-old World War II to Vietnam era veteran. I began painting this piece while waiting for my wife one morning – it just came to me as I put the brush to the canvas. I can’t draw, but I love to paint!” wrote one participant of his oil piece, Winter Paradise.
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The works on display range in subject matter, from the Statue of Liberty to landscapes to emulated works that were inspired by masters such as Picasso.
Another participant wrote of his piece titled Matisse Blue Lady, “I chose Matisse theme because I like his style and understand the way he wanted to portray his thoughts. Doing this work was beneficial to mein that (it) put my thoughts in a dimension that brought to me solitude and serenity and calmness.”
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Media used also vary to include oil, stippling, fabrics, acrylic, ceramics and marker. Some pieces are for sale, although many are not.
The show also includes non-visual art. Linda M. Gibson will showcase her book, Bipolar Disorder: Beyond the Silence, A Personal Journey Back from Darkness. Gibson will be available for a booksigning during the reception on May 26.
Operation Helping Hand is a co-sponsor of the event. The organization assists seriously wounded active duty military heroes and their families by providing support forthose receiving care at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.