My husband had an amazing idea.
He wanted to show our community that there is more to a Veteran than the uniform. Veterans are creative and artistic. For Sam, finding a creative space was a release, a way to cope with the anxiety and stress when working through PTSD.
Sam enjoyed sculpting, woodworking, and photography. He knew other Veterans who enjoyed similar things, some even painting or creating art.
Sam came up with Weapons of Mass Creation, an art show.
So, what is a Veterans art show, where is it, who can submit, and what is it all about?
This show is intended to show the community that there is more to a Veteran than just a uniform. We want to show everyone the creativity in the mind of a Veteran. Weapons of Mass Creation honors all Veterans, past and present. If you know a Veteran, are a family member of a Veteran, please consider submitting to this show! There is plenty of time to get a submission sent to us!
If you are Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, Veteran, and/or relative of present/former U.S. military personnel, you may submit artwork for this exhibition. You can submit your artwork to Sam here:
The art show will be held at the Surplus Gallery. The address for the gallery is:
This exhibition is FREE to the public! Please come and show your support! Sam and I will be there. You can come to say hello to us, view some amazing work by some incredibly talented Veterans, and you may even see Memphis.
Please help us spread the word, we’d love to have people in and out of the gallery viewing this artwork.
You can contact Sam with questions regarding submissions at:
samuel.hoekstra@va.gov
OR…by phone at 618-997-5311, extension 59436
This show is simply amazing. The first Weapons of Mass Creation I went to was also when I first started talking with Sam. I was blown away by the pieces: sculptures, photographs, drawings, paintings, even a quilt…the submissions were remarkable. At various times walking through the gallery, I held back tears.
When it was time for the next art show, Sam had more submissions, some that were breathtaking. Here are a few photos of previous submissions.
Some of the Veterans who submit their work come for the closing show. This is a great opportunity to meet with these Veterans and see them light up when speaking of their work, their process, their talents, and creativity.
Be on the lookout for more information about the 3rd Biennial Weapons of Mass Creation Veterans Art Show. I’m so honored to help with this event, and so moved seeing these creations. I know you will be too.