The trip to the opening of National Veteran's Art Meuseum for the opening of Radical Vulnerability was my first time in Chicago for a period longer than a lay over. I am truly honored to have my art there. My heart dropped when I realized that what once was three stories of veteran art, is now one floor above offices and shops. They rooms full of meaningful art without space to show it.Anyone who can donate to the museum really should. Much of the art that opened at the show was produced by veterans that have art programs for veterans. I could go on and on about the artists and projects that were represented but the Radical Vulnerability link does a great job. There are even video clips and interviews of the evening.
It is hard for me to image ever wanting to go back to the Ft. Hood area except for the opportunity to get interact with active duty soldiers on a creative level. Having been out of the military for a few years not, I wonder how out of touch I have become with the issues that are affecting service members.
When I lived in the Ft. Hood area, Under the Hood seemed a sort of escape from the military. Now it is a lifeline to it, but in a good way. With poetry twice a month, veteran art shows, writing workshops, advocacy programs and a long list of other happenings this place really lights up downtown Killeen.
