Art for Honor: James and Kelly Dentler

James Dentler is a dedicated MSG Sergeant in the Michigan Army National Guard. Since joining the Michigan Army National Guard in 1996, James has served his country with unwavering devotion and commitment. In 2008, he was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since 2010, James has been working full-time as a logistician, contributing to the National Guard’s mission of ensuring the safety and security of the country. In addition to his work, James also volunteers as an Outdoor Adventure Guru for Zero Day, a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting veterans in their transition from active duty to civilian life. James is married to Kelly, who is a painter working as a project manager for Art For Honor and in sales and marketing for Grand Rapids Kids. They have two children and enjoy spending time together on DIY home projects and crafts.

For ArtPrize, James and Kelly worked together to create a large-scale project that celebrates patriotism and positivity. Their project, called “Celebrating America,” aims to showcase the diverse beauty and cherished elements of America through the eyes of its youngest citizens. They collaborated with students from Walker Charter Academy and Caledonia elementary, intermediate, and middle schools, encouraging them to create paintings of the people, places, and things that symbolize America. Their hope is that by inviting children to paint what they are proud of or what they love most about America, they can foster a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities and blessings that this country affords us. Through this project, they aim to remind people of the values that unite us as a nation and the beautiful landscapes and diverse cultural elements that make America home for so many.