Art can provide an open space for the critical exchange of ideas. Due to the harsh realities in this world, at times we need to discuss content that some may find offensive or traumatizing. We try to forewarn about potentially disturbing content, such as the following story about child sexual assault, so you can opt…
All of us fight secret battles, personal struggles unknown to others. These conflicts may cause us to lose sleep, overwork, binge eat, drown our sorrows with alcohol, or chew our fingernails—however we particularly deal with stress. Recently, I faced one of these gut-wrenching trials, causing a huge bout with anxiety and fear. While I faced…
Have you ever chosen to do something small that made a big difference in your life? One U.S. military veteran, let’s call him Mark, reluctantly decided to participate in the 2021 Voices project, featured at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At the time, Mark’s life seemed quite bleak, in part due to drug and alcohol…
We are grateful for our twenty-two veteran artists from the Voices project, volunteers, gallery assistants, and corporate sponsors. Thanks to ArtPrize, the international art event held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and to Kent County Veteran Services and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for making a project on this scale possible. A special thank you to the…
As part of the Voices project, 92 For 22 created a collective work called Unit of Connections. This veteran-based nonprofit raises awareness for the mental and physical struggles of those who have served our country by organizing an annual, 92-mile community walk to help lower the national average of veteran suicides per day from 22…
Ehren Tool, a big, burly guy, enlisted as a Marine in 1991. His grandfather, a World War II veteran, said, “They are going to take your soul.” And his father, a Vietnam veteran, warned that the images of war would haunt him forever. Five years later, with a combat action ribbon and a seven-month Gulf…
Lead Patriot Guard Rider, Mike Myers, wore several hats throughout his military career. He started as an artilleryman, transitioned to a wheeled vehicle mechanic, and later served as a medic. Following his honorable discharge, he worked in retail and eventually managed more than a dozen Target stores throughout Michigan. Earlier this spring, I contacted Mike…