Emporia’s annual patriotic art display is up for viewing for the next two weeks.
The Veterans Art Exhibit had its grand unveiling with the annual veteran artist reception inside of the Emporia Arts Center Friday evening. According to EAC Gallery and Art Store Coordinator Sarah Barrett, this year’s exhibition had 35 entries from 15 veterans both from the local community and beyond.
Barrett says she is always impressed by the various mediums veterans use each year.
Among the veterans participating in this year’s exhibition was Michael Kohler a 21-year Army veteran who traveled from Manhattan to display his various prints. Kohler says he has always had a passion for art, but it had to take a temporary backseat to his military service.
Michael Storrer, a current active member of the Air National Guard won the people’s choice for his piece titled Unity. Storrer, who began working on his piece just a few months ago, was humbled to receive the honor saying the project has been a rewarding “escape” for him.
For winning the people’s choice award, Storrer received a cash prize courtesy of ESB Financial and will have his piece on display at the bank’s main location following the end of the exhibition.
The veterans art exhibit is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to All Veterans Tribute activities which will be ramping up over the next two weeks. Some of the highlights will include the annual Freedom Fest next Saturday, November 9 at the All Veterans Memorial.
Next Saturday will also include the Quilts of Gratitude presentation inside of the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building and Emporia State Football’s Salute to Service game at Welch Stadium. Both events will begin at 1 pm.
This will all lead up to the annual Emporia Veterans Day Parade at 9:30 am on Commercial Street followed by the Veterans Memorial Service at the All Veterans Memorial at 11 am. You can find a full list of All Veterans Tribute activities online at Visitemporia.com/event/all-veterans-tribute-week.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
