A new exhibit is joining the annual Veteran Artist Exhibit at the Emporia Arts Center Trusler Room this year, and it will be on display until Nov. 23.
The Experiencing Veterans & Artist Collaboration (EVAC) is this new exhibit and it brings together veterans and artists. The veteran orates their wartime history and the artist then interprets this knowledge and transfers it to a piece of artwork. The image is displayed with a card underneath revealing the story which inspired the work.
Each year, ESB Financial gives out cash awards to their top three pieces of artwork, and the winners were:
1) Belinda Schlesener
2) Hugh Mitchell
3) Gary Van Syoc
The winner of the People’s Choice Award, where onlookers would vote on their favorite work, was Victoria Perez.
Second place winner, United States Marine, and Vietnam Veteran Hugh Mitchell looked back further in history for his award-winning work.
Traditionally, this exhibit would solely feature the works of local veterans, whether it be paintings, sculptures, or woven items. Local Army veteran Gary Post who served from 1966-1969, not only submitted a painting of his own but also deeply appreciated all the other works.
Coming up in Emporia for the All Veterans Tribute :
Nov. 2: ESU Flag Celebration Plumb Hall – ESU Campus – 10:30 am
Nov. 2: All Veterans Luncheon (RSVP to 341-6470) – Sauder Alumni Center – 11:30 am
Nov. 2: Veteran Recognition & Senior Day Welch Stadium – ESU – 2:00 pm
Nov. 6: “Straight No Chaser” concert presented by Emporia Arts Council – Emporia Granada Theatre – 7:30 pm
Nov. 7: Free Veterans Breakfast – Emporia Senior Center – 8:00 am
Nov. 8: Lee Greenwood & Crystal Gale in Concert – Emporia Granada Theatre – 8:00 pm
A full list of All Veterans Tribute activities can be found at visitemporia.com.
Photos by Devon Swartz/KVOE News
{gallery}110119 EAC Veterans{/gallery}
