On March 22, 2014, New Century Art Guild is honored to host an artist-talk by artist/veteran Mario Lopez from Bandera, Texas. Mario is the winner of NCAG’s 2014 Veteran Artist Grant.  He will give an inspiring talk about his journey as a soldier, family-man, minister and artist. The gallery will open at 5:00pm. A full, delicious catered dinner will be served at 6:00pm!

U.S. Army Sgt. Mario Lopez served in Iraq in 2006-7 and Afghanistan in 2008. In August of 2008, Mario was severely injured while on duty with a combat engineering unit in Afghanistan. As part of a routine convoy, Lopez was strapped into his MRAP Vehicle on his way to his next mission when a 300-pound roadside bomb exploded, creating a blast that sent the MRAP’s door hurtling into him and pinning him inside the burning vehicle. As a result of the blast, he sustained burns on more than 40 percent of his body and lost his right arm, right ear, right eye and most of the fingers on his left hand.

Lopez said his recovery has been hard, but he knows things could have been a lot worse. Despite his injuries, he has become an accomplished artist. “I started doing artwork as a child and really loved it,” he said. “When I had my son and daughter at a young age, I put the paintbrush down for a while to support my family.” Lopez has since picked up the brush again, this time with his left hand.

Mario said, “I am a wounded warrior but I don’t let my war injuries define me.  I like that I can help people by showing them that even though life throws obstacles our way, there is no reason to give up because life is always worth living. In 2011, I picked up a paint brush with my remaining left fingers and began to experiment! Initially I was painting just for myself, but friends and family started to inquire about my art.  Before I knew it, I was getting attention and requests from people I had never even met.  I thank God everyday for my friends and family and the talent and abilities He has given me.”

ORDER TICKETS ONLINE:

Tickets may be purchased online using PayPal. Just click on the yellow “Donate” button below. Tickets are $20 per person with NCAG membership ($25 per person without current membership)