U.S. military veterans find healing through art; Grand Opening Sept. 18 #ArtPrize2021

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, UNITED STATES, September 7, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Grand Rapids, Michigan – Nestled among the many exhibits showcased at this year’s ArtPrize^® international art competition is the debut of VOICES at Veterans Memorial Park, a collection featuring the healing artwork of U.S. military veterans.

Sure to strike a chord with visitors, the diverse and poignant collection of entries reflects the struggles often faced by veterans, including PTSD, homelessness, re-entering civilian life, suicide, despair, and the search for hope. For many veterans, art provides a means to cope. The VOICES exhibit spans an array of emotional artistic themes, including Darkness to Light, Autism in the Trenches, Eyes of Courage, I’m Still Here, Marching Behind Heroes, SteepleChase, and more.

Veterans featured in the exhibit will gather on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 to install their artwork in Veterans Memorial Park ahead of the ArtPrize^® competition. An official grand opening celebration where the public can meet the artists is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Festivities include music, an art craft table, air show (1 p.m.), Color Guard (1:20 p.m.), and a formal program to kick off the exhibit.

Featured veteran artists include Pamela Alderman, Brian Bartman, Michael Allen Bauer, Jeremiah Brown, Belinda Coronado, Israel Del Toro, George Doornbos, Dewey Heetderks, Fritz Hoendervanger, Tiffany Horan, Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, Billy Johnson, John Katerberg, Ron Kelsey, Ron Leigh, Jodi Martinez, Walter V. Marshall, Kiri Salazar, Michael Sheler Sr., Lily Theodore, and Michael X.

VOICES at Veterans Memorial Park is located at 22 Sheldon Avenue between Library Street and Fulton Street in Grand Rapids. Sponsors include Kent County Veteran Services, Finish the mission, West Michigan Veteran Services, Has Heart, and Comerica Bank.

The ArtPrize^® international art competition runs Sept. 16 through Oct. 3 in venues throughout the city and is free to attend.

Following the exhibition, visitors will have an opportunity to purchase art via Artprize's new online auction platform. 100% of the purchase price goes directly to artists.

Walter Marshall
WalterVMarshall.com
+ +1 248-469-8272
email us here

VOICES at Veterans Memorial Park Grand Opening