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.
Join us for dinner, music, and an incredible display of art created by Veterans. We are dedicated to helping our community to tell their story, heal and also share their art with the world.
200 trees located at Glen Cuningham Lake north of Omaha are part of a larger project to plant one tree per serviceman/woman lost while in active duty in to service to their nation and communities. The NMF logo artwork was produced and donated by NCAG to Honor and Remember Nebrasksa.
New Century Art Guild is hosting “Guns & Gowns” an all-Veteran art gala at Giter Sports in Dallas, Texas taking place September 9th, 2023. Doors open at 6pm with refreshments and dinner will be served at 7:30p. All proceeds will directly benefit veteran artists.
The evening will include a delicious dinner from Cajun Cravings, and veteran art in a variety of forms- music, poetry, paintings, sculptures, authors, and woodwork. Join us for an evening of Veteran art, sportsmanship and celebrating the art and proud service of veteran artists in the Dallas TX region!
Danielle and Mario Lopez are pictured with one of Mario’s paintings in their New Braunfels home on Feb. 2. Lopez, a wounded Army veteran, will host a gala with the New Century Art Guild on March 10 to support military veteran artists.
Story by THERESA DAVIS | Herald-Zeitung
New Braunfels resident Mario Lopez lost his right arm and most of his left hand in 2008 when a bomb hit his Army vehicle in Afghanistan but Lopez can still hold a paintbrush and a microphone — and he uses both to spread a message of healing and hope.
Lopez and the New Century Art Guild will host a U.S. Veteran Art Gala in New Braunfels on Friday, March 10 to support veteran artists.
The event will raise money for scholarships, supplies, education and mentoring for military veterans pursuing art careers.
“Art allows me to open new doors, express myself and share my experiences,” Lopez said.
Lopez, the Guild’s Southwest Region liaison, grew up in Alice, Texas. He joined the Army after 9/11.
Lopez served as a truck driver in Iraq for a year with a combat engineering unit building roads.
Then his unit was deployed to Afghanistan.
Four months into that stint, Lopez’s armored vehicle was hit by a 300-pound improvised explosive device, or IED.
“It exploded and then the vehicle lifted up, and it fell back down on the ground,” Lopez said. “All of a sudden it was gray everywhere, and I got knocked out.”
Lopez awoke to see flames engulfing the vehicle. His right arm was trapped.
“I started thinking this is a ‘dream,’” he said. “The flames got cold after a while, because the fire burned all my nerves.”
Crews eventually freed Lopez from the vehicle and transported him to a German hospital.
He suffered severe burns, lost his right arm and most of his left hand, and lost sight in his right eye.
Back in the U.S., Lopez started down a long road of surgeries in burn recovery units.
He dealt with depression and began to overuse pain medication.
One day, Lopez noticed an original painted canvas hanging on his friend’s wall.
“I used to do woodworking, so I said, ‘Well, how about painting?’” Lopez said. “I just love to create.”
A painting by Mario Lopez, a New Braunfels resident and southwest regional liaison for the New Century Art Guild. Proceeds from a March 10 gala will support military veteran artists.THERESA DAVIS | Herald-Zeitung
And he hasn’t stopped creating ever since.
Lopez has long been involved with the New Century Art Guild.
The group supports military veteran artists’ careers through art education and business skills.
The guild views art as a powerful tool for veterans experiencing PTSD.
Mario and his wife Danielle have met dozens of Texas veteran artists through their work, and decided to launch a local gala.
“We have everyone from established artists to people just breaking through,” Danielle said. “Art is therapeutic, and it’s exciting to see what these people can do.”
The New Braunfels multimedia art gala will be at the McKenna Events Center on 801 W. San Antonio St. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a night of dinner, guest speakers, music and dancing.
Tickets are $80 each. Corporate tables and sponsorships are also available.
Visit newcenturyartguild.org to purchase tickets online, or call 361-207-2599 for more information.
Tickets may also be purchased with a check sent by mail to Attn: Texas Veterans Art Show, New Century Art Guild, 4142 Main St., PO Box 92, Elk Horn, IA, 51543.
By Theresa Davis The Herald-ZeitungFeb 8, 2023 Updated Feb 8, 2023
NEW CAREERS, NEW POSSIBILITIES, NEW DIRECTIONS FOR ARTISTS AND VETERANS
