Some things don’t have words. Art can hold what language can’t.
Breaking the Silence A Juried Exhibition of Veteran Art Oak Park Art League | August 8 – September 6, 2026
Opening Night August 8, starting at 1pm New Century Art Guild is calling on Chicago-area veteran artists to submit work for Breaking the Silence, a juried exhibition at the Oak Park Art League this August. Thirty works will be selected across painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more. Free to enter. No experience required
BY VETERANS • FOR VETERANS New Century Art Guild is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization co-founded by artists and veterans, established to serve veterans and their families through the medium of art: professionally, recreationally, and therapeutically.
Today, we honor all Veterans from all branches of the armed forces and extend our gratitude for their service. We also would like to recognize all military families for their efforts and advocacy in support of our service members.
New Century Art Guild continues to support veterans, active military, and their families through art — ranging from group workshops to professional arts training. A powerful side benefit from these activities is a substantial reduction of the depression associated with PTSD and the re-integration of these veterans into a fulfilling role in civilian society.
Today and every day — thank you for your sacrifices, for your valor, for the things you carry, and your service.
Soldier with Ammo Belt by Neville Bridgeford
“Art can reach people in a way that sometimes no other means of expression can.” — Sharon Robino-West, USMC Veteran
NCAG thanks NAC for their support of NCAG’s Vet-X-Press workshop series.
New Century Art Guild’s “Vet-X-Press” (VXP) workshop series, veterans have an opportunity to unburden mental strain in the form of self-expressed artwork created in an environment that promotes healing and relaxation. Participants use different artistic media each session, including visual art, writing, music and acting. All experience levels are welcome, and no previous experience is required. Workshop series are always free to veterans, their family members and support staff
Our primary goal is to use the expressive and healing powers of artmaking with military veterans to ultimately transform their lives through the power of art.
On January 15th, 2022, after a “call for models” was sent out by the Office of Public Affairs, three airmen from the 55th Wing were selected to volunteer their time and likenesses to be 3D scanned and photographed in Vietnam-era battle uniforms. The poses were used to create life-size bronze sculpture for the centerpiece of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the “Huey Rescue Scene” which features an actual Huey helicopter. The official opening of the memorial (pending any delays) is set for June 6, 2024. New Century Art Guild, Inc. sponsored the model shoot and is a major sponsor of the completed statuary.
The three participating Airmen are:
SGT RICKY SMITH
SSGT JARED RUMSEY
MAJ JONATHAN “DIVA” RUIZ
NEW CAREERS, NEW POSSIBILITIES, NEW DIRECTIONS FOR ARTISTS AND VETERANS
