Arts & Stripes: Curated Military Art Exhibition

The Workhouse Arts Center is pleased to present Arts & Stripes, an exhibition of artwork from the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Navy Art Collection and the Air Force Art Program. In honor and gratitude for our armed forces and in respect for their continuing sacrifices, all exhibition artwork pertains only to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.   From on-site sketches done while imbedded with our troops to studio finished paintings, combat artists show the work of war, in action and during "down" time.

The exhibition is also about how art can be used to visually tell an important story or help in the physical and mental healing process.  Many wounded warriors are willing and even eager to share their stories. Artists visiting Bethesda Naval, Walter Reed and McGuire VA Hospital have done sketches of some of these brave men and we are honored to include them in the exhibition. 

The Combat Paper Project helps veterans process their war experiences through the creation of handmade paper.  In papermaking workshops all over the country, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have cut up their uniforms to beat into the pulp that forms the sheets of their paper artworks.  This cathartic creation of art from combat uniform helps with the transformation from warrior to artist.  We are excited to show many of these works of art by Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard veterans.