As the Voices project took shape last year, many of the participants found a space to express their unspoken history of struggle, pain, and loss. These veterans have found it difficult to return to civilian life after risking their lives to serve our country, and some battle with alcohol or prescription drugs. But the Voices collaboration of art, creativity, and storytelling gave them a new sense of comradery and belonging.
For instance, one artist refused my invitation to participate multiple times, because he wanted to avoid the painful memories of his combat experience decades earlier. When he finally agreed to participate, he came to me in tears a few days into the exhibition, and thanked me for the opportunity to connect with other veterans. In spending time with the other veterans, he realized that he wasn’t alone. These new friendships created an opportunity for many veterans to continue the recovery process together.
This collection of art created by the veteran artists provides a pathway to healing by allowing an underserved population to be seen, heard, and understood. It creates a place for the veterans and the visitors to experience hope.
A special thanks to Kent County Veterans Services, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, The Home Depot, PlexiCase Inc., Moonlight Graphics Inc., Frames Unlimited, and Healing in Arts for making this collaboration of veteran stories possible.
