The Veteran Arts Showcase was founded on the understanding that the arts are vital to veteran reintegration, for self-expression, recovery from the aftereffects of war, and to reconnect with community.
Welcome to VAS2020
Opening Remarks by George Laws, US Navy veteran & Chair of the Veteran Arts Showcase with MSGT Mary Kay Messenger, Paul Sparrow, Rosemarie Rogers and Christine Mikolajczak.
Our 8th Annual 2020 Showcase features visual artists, crafters, writers, poets, musicians, and performers who are active duty military, veterans, or their family members.
Because of COVID-19 our annual event at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Libray and Musem in Hyde Park is being presented as a virtual online exhibition. These pages showcase 2-D and 3-D visual art, performances, and discussions in video format.
Lori Arella, PhD; Co-Founder Veteran Arts Showcase
We hope you find this digital presentation to be a vital celebration of the creativity of current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
The Equus Effect...
...realizing a country where veterans have the opportunity to enjoy the physical, mental, and emotional freedom they were willing to give their lives to protect.
All expressive art forms provide creative outlets for confronting the trauma of war experienced by our returning warriors.
Being able to face the effects of trauma through their creativity helps our returning active duty soldiers and veterans to return to society, and introduces them to their inate creativity.
War Leaves Pieces, a performance by Exit 12 Dance Company
EXIT 12 is a contemporary dance company committed to creating and performing works of high cultural significance that inspire conversations about worldly differences and the lasting effects of violence and conflict on communities, families, and individuals.
Through movement, we educate audiences about the reality of war, advocate diversity and mutual understanding through cultural exchange, and champion the humanity and dignity of all persons.
EXIT 12 supports and advances the notion that art heals, and is devoted to serving those who have been touched by conflict by expressing their stories.
art enriches the lives of returning veterans in may ways which help their reintegration into society
Diving Photography by George Laws
Splashes of color
Research indicates what many veterans have already learned. Without the distractions found at the surface of the water, the serenity of being underwater and the feeling of weightlessness can provide significant therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits. The combination of deep/slow breathing and the feeling of tranquility helps in reducing stress. While experiencing new and amazing adventures, diving can also broaden social circles, improve personal development and inspire an appreciation of nature and the environment. Diving can work wonders on the mind, body and soul. Improve your possibilities, learn to dive!
for some that takes the form of paper making and for others building boats...
Front Line Arts
Mission:
We connect and build communities through socially engaging arts practices rooted in papermaking and printmaking
Vision:
A future where individuals from all walks of life can find commonality, connection, and empathy.
FrontLine Arts
The Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration
The Veterans Wooden Boat Workshop is dedicated to the well-being of Veterans and Community through purpose, dignity, respect, and honor. This project is coordinated and led by Veteran volunteers and community leaders who donate their time and experience to help struggling Veterans reintegrate. Our mission is to bring much-needed programs into the area. Other programs include: Vets-On-Water, Warrior Writers, and Wilderness Retreat.
Guerreros De La Frontera
Michael Daniel Bricker is a New Mexico based filmmaker and actor. He is a veteran who served in the Coast Guard from September 2003 to July 2007.
Born of Huichol Indian and Russian Jewish descent he served proudly in the United States Coast Guard as a Corpsman, 2003 -2007. Upon completion of his service Michael achieved his associate of fine arts degree as well as bachelor's degree in digital film making. Michael has a passion for film, art, culture and his work whether its fine art, acting or film making reflects this.
Jerry the Bulldog
‘Jerry the Bulldog’ was formed by acclaimed veteran Singer-Songwriter/Guitarist John Irizarryof Small Town Sheiks, Guitarist Kane Armistead, from the festival jam band, Half Jester, along with session musicians Bassist Randy Sutterand Drummer Larry Neumann, US Navy veteran.
the presentation is sandwiched between pieces of the soundtrack from "Sir! No Sir!"
Dewey Canyon
Susan Mondzak Murphy, a composer/lyricist, is the wife of Air Force veteran, Jim Murphy, who served in Vietnam. She has written and performed music spanning from Equity musical theatre and cabarets to Irish traditional bands.
The song, Dewey Canyon Legacy was written as a gift to Jim. He was one of 15 who took over the Statue of Liberty to protest the war in 1971. He was also one of the co-coordinators of Dewey Canyon III, the action highlighted in the song. It is performed here by Tamra Hayden, a Broadway performer featured in such shows as Les Miz.
The Veteran Arts Showcase is normally an annual 3-day even held the weekend before Thanksgiving.The opening ceremony is Friday, with music, performances and workshops all weekend long. We look forward to holding this event live next year and hope to see you there.
For Veterans in Crisis: Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Available every day, 24/7.
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255
Dewey Canyon Protest
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Veteran Arts Showcase
PROGRAM
Opening Remarks
George Laws
MSGT Mary Kay Messenger
Paul Sparrow
Rosemarie Rogers
Christine Mikolajczak
About Our Beginnings
Lori Arella, PhD.
Co-Founder of Veteran Arts Showcase
The Equus Effect
Exit 12 Dance Company
Diving with George Laws
Frontline Paper
The Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration
Guererros De La Frontera
by Micael Bricker
Jerry The Bulldog
For the Ones That Got Away
Feels Like Rain
Dewey Canyon Legacy
Written by Susan Mandzak Murphy
Performed by Tamara Hayden
with excerpts from "Sir! No Sir!"
Closing remarks with George Laws
