Photo By Jennifer Scales | Army Veteran John Roberts wears one of his crafted rock necklaces while holding his...... read more read more
Photo and story by Jennifer Scales
Dorn VAMC Public Affairs Office
Walking into the Greenville Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Greenville, S.C., Nov. 9 was similar to stepping into the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is located in New York City. Though a smaller scale, the works of art on display were original masterpieces, and the artisans and craftsmen were on hand to explain, and sometimes demonstrate, their works.
The Third Annual Veterans Day Art Show, held at the clinic, presented the crafts of Veterans of the area, from woodcarving, handmade jewelry, acrylic painting, oil paintings, ink jet prints, pen pointillism art, and much more.
Though the art show was conceived by a former primary care physician of the clinic, Gretchen Kaneb, it has since been handled masterfully by others of the clinic who have stepped in to continue its success.
Two of those persons who have taken the helm consist of Greenville’s CBOC social workers Heather Windham and Rebecca Roesch, though they both attribute the success to the Veterans and other members of the committee.
“Our Veterans have hidden talents,” said Windham. “This is a way to bring the community together and form solidarity. Plus, with this being Veterans month, it’s also a way to celebrate them.”
Roesch stated, “The art made by the Veterans plays a strong role in their healing and is a form of gratification for them.” Roesch was instrumental in the music management of the event with the music of Soothing Reflections, the twin sister duet of harpist and violinist Rita and Susan Dunn.
Kristie Eisenbrei, Greenville CBOC nurse manager, added to the accolades of the past and present showings. “These art shows have been really well received, and we expect this one to be just as great.”
Another member of the Greenville staff commented on the event of the day. “I take so much pride in these Veterans today,” Liz Rainey, clinic psychiatrist, said. “I love to see the VA come together in things like this. In this venture, we get to see our Veterans as artists and creators, and not as patients.”
“The works today are totally for the viewing pleasure of everyone,” Rich Boggan, administrative officer, said. “Nothing is for sale, just for ‘eye’ enjoyment.”
So, who are these Picasso’s and Rembrandt’s and Kenneth Jay Lane’s in our midst?
Marine Veteran David Schuppert is a professional illustrator. He began his art well before he went into the military. Many of his works can be found in children science books. His job profile includes that of being an art department supervisor.
Embellishing photographs is the current past-time for Marine Veteran Lamar Bruce. “I watched a five-minute video, and my new passion was born,” Bruce said.
Passing his artwork to persons as gifts, John Sitman, an Army Veteran, does most of his works in acrylic and oil paintings. “I give them away as presents for housewarmings, birthdays, Christmas…I find more joy in giving them to someone than just keeping them,” Sitman said.
Formerly a Marine field radio operator, Kiaya Moore, finds herself sitting at the easel fully satisfied with making watercolors, acrylics, and spray paints.
Art is nothing new to Marine Veteran James Greene. “I have been doing art since I was five years old,” Greene said. His display consisted of works in painting, sculpting, and stone.
Debra Farley’s table of handcrafted beaded jewelry drew a crowd. The Army Veteran says she connects with her jewels and stones of tiger’s eye, jade, glass, and wood.
Some art work completions can take anywhere from one week to a month to make, as noted by Navy Veteran Bob Choban. Choban showed his collection of woodworking, marquetry, and wood burning art.
Shay Black’s work reflected a lot of the pain she still feels over the death of her son, Timothy Williams, who died last year. But the Army Veteran continues on her healing journey by seeking solace in her artwork of paintings, which consist of an acrylic mix-medium with spackling, gravel, or paper, to name a few.
An aerial photographer in the Navy, Albert Gallanthen, says, “I got tired of watching the grass grow.” Now he puts his hobby in oil paintings on canvas.
Air Force Veteran Robert Bramswig has found his niche with ink jet prints. “I take original photos and create layers to them,” Bramswig said.
“I paint what I see in nature,” Army Veteran Ed Routhieaux said. His ink and acrylic artwork did indeed show creatures in their natural habitats.
Dual service Navy and Marine Veteran Bill Hunter demonstrated the art of woodcarving on site at the art show. “I find woodcarving to be very relaxing.”
Veteran Robert L. Benchoff was also proud to show off his display of oil paintings at the event.
Army Veteran James Booker’s display of pens in pointillism was a topic of discussion who would stop by his area.
Army Veteran John Roberts proudly showed off his shiny display of sanded rock jewelry, all made by hand.
Even while the art show was occurring, clinic operations at the Greenville CBOC continued. Veterans who came in as patients or escorts took their turn in giving their comrades positive comments.
Air Force Veteran John Crane said, “This is a nice thing they are doing. Makes me proud of them.”
“I am glad to see all they are doing after service has ended,” Army Veteran Ben Davis said. “They’re all coping with living.”
As an annual event, the next Veteran Art show is scheduled again for 2018.
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2017 11:07 |
| Story ID: | 254940 |
| Location: | COLUMBIA, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 248 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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