Category Archives: Photo Gallery

NCAG HONORS LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF JIM O’KEEFE

Photo courtesy of Danish Villages Voice
Photo courtesy of Danish Villages Voice

New Century Art Guild, its board and membership wish to bid farewell to our late NCAG President, Jim O’Keefe. After an interesting and much-storied life, and subsequent battle with cancer, Jim passed away in his sleep early this morning, one day after his 69th birthday. We send our prayers best wishes to Jim’s wife, Phyllis, to all his family members, Naval buddies and dear friends.

We are truly honored that a man of Jim’s character and wisdom took an interest and then a commanding presence in our organization. Jim had a gift to bring fun and lightheartedness to almost any situation…he was truly was one of a kind. His wisdom and legacy will continue in the lives of the veterans and families that NCAG reaches.

As a lasting symbol of our gratitude, Jim was made an NCAG lifetime member this day, Feb. 5th 2019. We salute you, Commander O’Keefe!

DANISH AMBASSADOR VISITS NCAG KIMBALLTON GALLERY

Danish Ambassador Lars Get Lose receives NCAG Lifetime Membership
Danish Ambassador Lars Get Lose receives NCAG Lifetime Membership

The New Century Art Guild hosted the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States on April 4th at the New Century studio in Kimballton, Iowa. Guild members provided the Ambassador, Mr. Lars Gert Lose, with a tour of Kimballton’s Hans Christian Anderson sculpture garden, and concluded the visit with a reception at the New Century art gallery. The Ambassador met with New Century’s President Jim O’Keefe, Art Director Troy Muller, and was gifted a photograph by Veteran Artist and long-time New Century Art Guild member Bert Leaverton. The Ambassador expressed his sincere respect for American veterans, and hopes to collaborate with the New Century Art Guild on international veteran art projects in the near future.

NCAG COSPONSORS EXHIBITION OF VETERAN PHOTOGRAPHY AT MUSEUM OF DANISH AMERICA

vetted view logo1 copy

Now open on the main floor of the Museum of Danish America:

Vetted View II -an exhibition of New Century Art Guild’s U.S. Military veterans that have studied or are currently studying photography.

Vetted view1 copy

This exhibition is curated and co-sponsored by New Century Art Guild. Reminder: admission is free for past & present members of the military!

New Century Art Guild is a non-profit arts organization co-founded by veterans and artists that was established to transform veterans’ lives through the power of art. The organization offers valuable resources to vets just looking for a little relaxation, to those seeking a new career in the arts. They have the combined experience and resources to assist veterans making the transition into the mindset, or career, that they want.

“Art is a powerful force. It has the ability to tell stories and to express deep emotions; it has the ability to relax the mind and encourage creative problem solving. It is a force perfectly suited to helping veterans and military families in their readjustment to civilian life.”

— Troy J. Muller, NCAG Co-Founder & Instructor

Museum and Exhibition info:

https://www.danishmuseum.org/explore/exhibitions/vetted-view-ii

NGAG Sponsors “My Sister’s Smile” –An Exhibition of Photography Celebrating International Women’s Day

Images: LEFT, Danielle Hane, RIGHT, Somaia Ramish
Images: LEFT, Danielle Hane, RIGHT, Somaia Ramish

Council Bluffs, IA, and Herat, Afghanistan Sister Cities
in partnership with New Century Art Guild, Karadah
Project International, and Veterans for American Ideals
present women photographers artfully documenting
moments of their daily lives through the medium of
photography imparting perspective of each other’s
culture–underscoring the commonality of our lives overall.

Opening Reception beginning at 6:00 – 9:00pm
Wednesday March 8, 2017

At Iowa Western Community College Arts Center
2700 College Road, Council Bluffs IA, 51503

A Screening and Panel Discussion of the
documentary Salam Neighbor begins at 7pm.

Light refreshments will be served.

NCAG SPONSORED ART WORKSHOPS FOR VIETNAM VETERANS AND FAMILIES

Vietnam Veteran's wives display their "Barn Quilt" projects
Vietnam Veterans’  wives display their “Barn Quilt” projects

New Century Art Guild is pleased to have participated in the well attended  32nd Annual Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Reunion in Omaha, NE over the weekend of August 12-13th.  Several art workshops were offered by NCAG to Vietnam veterans and their family members throughout the reunion, providing an opportunity to share stories and make new friendships. NCAG looks forward to participating in next years reunion!

METC Sponsors New Century Art Guild in Grant

Photo courtesy of Danish Villages News
Photo courtesy of Danish Villages News

Aureon is pleased to announce that an Aureon Charity Grant has been awarded to New Century Art Guild. Upon reviewing an abundance of applications, Aureon Charity Grant Committee delegated funds to projects committed to the betterment of local Iowan communities. The grant was presented in conjunction with Marne & Elk Horn Telephone Co. who sponsored the grant application. Aureon the new name for Iowa Network Services created the grant program in 1993 to increase service and support to rural independent telecommunications companies and the communities they serve. The Aureon Charity Grant Program rewards grants on a quarterly basis. Over the course of twelve years, Aureon has donated over $850,000 to local communities and their surrounding areas. We believe in rewarding various organizations for their passion and dedication to advancing their own neighborhoods. Each proposal that is chosen by our Grant Committee reflects the organizations’ enthusiasm for serving their communities. Aureon looks forward to aiding future community-improvement projects and extends our best wishes to your own community development. New Century Art Guild president Jim O’Keefe stated the donation would be used toward promoting NCAG’s mission of helping veterans heal through art.

–Submitted by METC and NCAG –Courtesy Of Danish Villages News July 9, 2016

NCAG WORKSHOP ENJOYED AT V.A. GOLDEN AGE GAMES

Sunday’s art workshop sponsored by NCAG provided veterans and family  participants an option for a non-sport related activity at the 2015 VA Golden Age Games. Participants “painted” with colored sand to create vivid and temporary mandala designs.

The colorful "gallery" of finished sand mandalas
The colorful “gallery” of finished sand mandalas
Workshop participant completing artwork
Workshop participant completing artwork
Completed sand mandala
Completed sand mandala

 

Dr. Scott Smith wins Award at Regional Economic Development Annual Banquet

Dr. Smith (left) with Warren Varley, President of Midwest Partnership
Dr. Smith (left) with Warren Varley, President of Midwest Partnership

Congratulations to New Century Art Guilds own Executive Director, Dr. Scott Smith, upon receiving the Guy Powell Award, given to him at an awards banquet the evening of January 22, 2015. The Midwest Partnership Economic Development announced him as this year’s winner of the award at Lake Panorama Conference Center. Audubon   County, Iowa, a member of Midwest Partnership for four years, has only given the Guy Powell Award once previously.

This award is based on vision, leadership, courage and impact. Under Scott’s leadership, New Century Art Guild is providing guidance, training and career development for emerging and established artists and veterans.  The guild focuses on Veterans returning from combat, often diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but classes and workshops are generally open to the public. Dr. Smith gives veterans an opportunity to express themselves and provide opportunities for closure of negative war experiences.

Scott’s courage is evident in his perseverance, as he meets the obstacles and barriers of establishing new commercial ventures in a rural community. Through his vision he is broadening Kimballton, Iowa’s visibility and economic growth. NCAG is proud of his acceptance of this well deserved award!