Born in the Netherlands in 1947, Frits became interested in art at an early age. His family first immigrated to Canada, and he became a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists at age fifteen. The family later immigrated to the USA, and before becoming a citizen, he was drafted to serve in Vietnam. Self-taught with no formal art school training, Hoendervanger has received numerous awards for his hyper-realistic paintings and standard of excellence.
He is also represented in many public and private collections, including the Michigan Governor’s mansion and the collection of former President Gerald R. Ford. His mural depicting the history of the Grand Rapids Press, previously displayed in the former Press Building lobby, is now part of the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s permanent collection. In 2011, Hoendervanger won the Grand Prize in The Artist’s Magazine’s annual All Media Competition. The winning painting was his ArtPrize 2010 entry. He won 3rd place for his 2012 ArtPrize painting, “Rebirth of Spring.”
The following year, he was commissioned to paint a 25 foot mural for a veteran’s facility in Battle Creek, which was praised by Governor Rick Snyder at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Veterans Day in 2013. As a U.S. Army veteran himself, Hoendervanger’s art continues to stir the audience’s imagination with beauty and grace. Most recently, Hoendervanger was selected to participate in the National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society 2021 “Best of America” Small Works National Juried Exhibition, winning the award of excellence.
I’m Still Here
Fifty years after fighting in the Vietnam War, and a short period of homelessness, I still struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and memory issues. Recently, after learning about the relationship between PTSD, Agent Orange, and Alzheimer’s for Vietnam veterans, I painted “I’m Still Here.” The 48 x 72 inch oil on canvas painting depicts my father-in-law’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
As I watched the dreadful disease steal away Morley’s health, while fighting my own internal battle, our connection grew closer. “I’m Still Here” represents the loss of Morley and my ongoing health issues, but it also serves as a remembrance of all the veterans and loved ones who have lost their lives to Alzheimer’s. Decades later, though my struggles are very real, life has been good, so I try not to let PTSD be the focus of my daily life.
Our new type of ArtPrize venue gives veterans a voice as they share their stories of struggle and healing through art.
I’m Still Here is showcasing at Veterans Memorial Park
A special thanks to Kent County Veterans Services, Zero Day, Finish the Mission, West Michigan Veterans Coalition, and Healing in Arts for making this collaboration of veteran stories possible.
