Jill Hinton Wolfe is an accomplished artist, storyteller, and U.S. Army veteran who has spent years dedicated to bridging the gap between military service and civilian understanding. Through her latest project, “Mission, Tribe & Grace,” Jill aims to create a platform for veteran voices, using the transformative power of art to explore themes of purpose, community, and resilience. “Mission, Tribe & Grace: Veteran Stories of Purpose, Belonging & Forgiveness” is an immersive art installation that seeks to deepen the connection between the veteran experience and civilian perception. Jill’s time in the military has taught her the importance of three elements in thriving, not just surviving, post-service: a mission to give purpose, a tribe to offer belonging, and a grace to allow for self-forgiveness.
This project amplifies the unheard voices of veterans, sharing their diverse narratives of courage, struggle, and transformation. Through audio narratives and QR-code technology, the audience enters a personal dialogue with each veteran’s story. The project is a call to listen, to understand, and to honor the complex journey of those who have served. While the path may be marked by challenges, it is also filled with moments of purpose, connection, and grace. Jill invites everyone to join her in celebrating the resilience and spirit of veterans and to work together to ensure their stories resonate, reminding us of the strength and unity that come from embracing our shared humanity. In addition to her artwork, Jill is also working on a book of essays titled “Mission, Tribe & Grace,” further expanding the dialogue around the veteran experience through personal narratives and reflections. She hopes that her dedication to storytelling will not only illuminate the veteran experience, but also invite broader conversations about identity, belonging, and healing in the aftermath of service.
Art for Honor is an exhibit of artwork created by veterans,
because every story deserves a chance to be heard.
Art for Honor at ArtPrize
September 13 – 28, 2024
Veterans Memorial Park
101 Fulton St E,
Grand Rapids, MI
Art for Honor: A creative collaboration with Pamela Alderman Art, Kent County Veterans Services, and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency