I enlisted in the Army in 2003. In 2004, I left for a 12+ month deployment to Iraq. Typically, we worked seven days a week in a country, where the painted landscape displayed various shades of brown. Triple-digit temperatures made daily life hard. With ordnance exploding all around us, the biggest take away was all…
As a female marine, I learned that the battle within the mind determines one’s overall health. Although I experienced combat duty, the internal battle started years before Iraq. The emotional conflict began in my early childhood. At age 4, my life changed forever when my parents divorced. I struggled growing up, and my brother and…
Early in life, I never envisioned myself as an accomplished artist. During Desert Storm, I served aboard the L. Y. Spear AS-36. My mode of service was precision calibration of the 7th fleet’s fast-attack nuclear-powered submarines. This opened the door to a lifetime of learning. I am honored to have been a part of such…
Through my paintings, I want to convey the people and places of African Culture. I was always interested in ancient history as a child, and I loved doodling. At four years old, I was inspired by my two older brothers, who drew cartoon and comic book characters. I started drawing animals from our giant family…
The Voices collection, featured at Veterans Memorial Park for ArtPrize, also gives the audience a chance to speak. Visitors are invited to write an encouraging note on a yellow ribbon and tie it to a tree, as a way to use their voice to support those who fight for our country. Following ArtPrize, the Blue…
John Katerberg, a purple heart recipient, is a combat veteran of Desert Storm and Afghanistan. After being medically retired from the Army in 2013, John returned to Kendall College of Art and Design and earned a B.F.A. in fine art with a painting concentration. Although a lifelong resident of Western Michigan, John moved to Florida…
Walter V. Marshall served in the USMC during the Iraqi war, and he has won three Emmy Awards as a videographer. His military experiences and Christian faith allowed him to balance the difficult concepts of death and sacrifice. Walter uses photography and film to capture perishable moments. The Detroit Institute of Arts featured his early…