A Night of Paint and History

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland | 180307-A-RW053-047 CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Bruce Burda, Southwest Asia Vice President for the USO, talks with painters during a Women’s History Month sip and paint night at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait March 8, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland)  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

03.13.2018

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Charles Highland 

371st Sustainment Brigade

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT – The Area Support Group – Kuwait and USO partnered together for a sip & paint night to celebrate Women’s History Month on March 7, 2018, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.
The Camp Arifjan Community came together to not just celebrate Women’s History Month but also the life of painter Frida Kahlo. Guests were greeted with a non-alcoholic cocktail and introduction to the artist by Cpt.Vanessa Rios, Area Support Group – Kuwait, 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, who was in costume as the iconic painter.
“We wanted Soldiers to learn about a positive woman role model,” Rios said.
Frida contracted polio as a child and had to deal with a lot of pain throughout her life due to a serious traffic accident. After becoming bedridden, Frida looked to become an artist and take her passionate hobby to the masses.
“Frida Kahlo was courageous and resilient despite all her suffering throughout her life,” said Rios, “She didn’t let anything stop her from doing what she was passionate about.”
“Frida showed self-confidence and her own identity as she dressed however she pleased despite society’s norms,” said Rios.
"Captain Rios truly looked like Frida, I couldn't believe it,” said Tyler Krantz, USO Director. “Just adding that element to a night we already knew would be special really added another layer to the whole experience.”
The featured painting of the evening was a portrait of Frida. This was so painters could learn about and relive the history of women like the Mexican artist.
"I feel that by incorporating Women's History into some of our regular programming, it truly enriches the experience for our service members,” said Krantz. “Our mission is to keep providing a positive atmosphere at each and every USO, and highlighting the works of Frida was a perfect way to accomplish this."

• Date Taken: 03.13.2018
• Date Posted: 03.13.2018 10:16
• Story ID: 269154
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW
• Hometown: CINCINNATI, OH, US
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