Although Veterans Day has passed, there are always ways in which our appreciation for veterans’ sacrifice can be shown. The Norman Rockwell Museum has recently mounted a tear-jerking exhibition in honor of those who serve.
“Love a Vet: Honoring Our Veterans” is much more than an art exhibition at the fabulous Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts; it is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by our nation’s military through the eyes of the artist as each comments on the difficulties, struggles, and emotional trauma faced by our veterans upon re-entry into civilian life.
Opening on November 7, “Love a Vet” features paintings, drawings, and prints by a number of established contemporary illustrators, many of whom are veterans themselves. Award-winning graphic designer Ella Rue, whose son is a veteran, organized the exhibition. The impetus for the show began with Rue’s nonprofit “52 Reasons to Love a Vet,” which helps veterans advance their education and assists with medical resources. In addition, Rue invited some of her fellow artists to donate original works to be reproduced and sold in the form of playing cards to help fund operations.
In conjunction with the museum, the exhibition is supported by Berkshire Bank, whose CEO, Mike Daly, said, “We are proud to be able to sponsor this important exhibition and provide veterans with free admission at Norman Rockwell Museum. This is only the beginning of what I think we can do to say thank you to these brave men and women.” These sentiments were echoed by the museum’s chief curator, Stephanie Plunkett, who stated, “We are pleased to present the art of so many of America’s most accomplished illustrators. This exhibition highlights the power of visual imagery to inspire new consideration of an important social concern — the health and immense sacrifice of America’s veterans.”
“Love a Vet: Honoring Our Veterans” opened on November 7 and will be on view through January 5.
To learn more, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum.
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Honoring Our Veterans
