Special exhibit shares art inspired by veterans’ experiences

By: 
Press Staff Writer

        See local veterans’ stories of serving in wars dating back to World War II through original artwork to be featured in a special exhibit at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont.
        The exhibit, “Experiencing Veterans and Artists Collaborations,” is part of a national project that pairs artists with veterans to create an original piece of art based on their experiences. The goal is to bridge the gap between civilians and veterans by educating the public about military life.
        This special exhibit is part of President Rutherford B. Hayes’ 200th Birthday Celebration, which is taking place through Oct. 4, 2023.
        To create this exhibit, EVAC partnered with Hayes Presidential’s Northwest Ohio Veterans Oral History Project.
        Through the oral history project, Curator of Manuscripts Julie Mayle meets with local veterans and records their stories, scans their photos and important documents and preserves them in the local history collections at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. The veterans also receive a digital copy of their interview and records.
        In the case of veterans who have died, Mayle conducts the interviews with family and scans and saves photos and documents.
         “When the Northwest Ohio Veterans Oral History Project was first started, we always had intentions of utilizing the material in a variety of ways, so it’s very exciting to see this exhibit become a reality,” Mayle said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the EVAC organization on this unique project.”
        The artwork in the EVAC exhibit features 12 to 15 pieces created using stories of veterans Mayle interviewed. Artists use a variety of printmaking techniques, including etching, serigraphy, relief print and lithography to create unique and original artwork. Veterans also receive a copy of the art created based on their experiences.
        “They’re all different,” Mayle said of the pieces. “They’re all up for interpretation.”
        The exhibit will be on display through Wednesday, Nov. 30. It was previously displayed at Hayes Presidential in 2018. Access is included with regular admission. Hayes Presidential members are admitted for free.
        Some of the pieces in this exhibit have been displayed at other locations throughout the United States.
        President Hayes’ 200th Birthday Celebration is sponsored by Croghan Colonial Bank.
        Hayes Presidential is located at Spiegel Grove at the corner of Hayes and Buckland avenues.
        For information, call 419-332-2081, visit rbhayes.org, like HPLM on Facebook at @rbhayespres and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @rbhayespres.
 
 

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