Unforgetting Iraq: In Search of Recovery will highlight, through art from both Iraqi and American artists, the aftermath of the Iraq war. This collection will use images that to speak to our capacity as humans to recover from the traumatic and devastating war in Iraq. The medium of art will be used to foster a dialogue between our two cultures in order to respectfully address sensitive but important issues. The exhibition will also serve as a touchstone to veterans and active duty servicemen and women of the US Armed Forces, including their families, by offering a chance to reflect upon the war and assist in the healing of emotional wounds.
New Century Art Guild Galleries:
Kimballton, Iowa 10 miles north of I-80 at Exit 54
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.”
Veteran/Artist Mario Lopez
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)
Unforgetting Iraq: In Search of Recovery will highlight, through art from both Iraqi and American artists, the aftermath of the Iraq war. This collection will use images that to speak to our capacity as humans to recover from the traumatic and devastating war in Iraq. The medium of art will be used to foster a dialogue between our two cultures in order to respectfully address sensitive but important issues. The exhibition will also serve as a touchstone to veterans and active duty servicemen and women of the US Armed Forces, including their families, by offering a chance to reflect upon the war and assist in the healing of emotional wounds.
NCAG Gallery hours for May 24-26, 2014 Memorial Day Weekend (Tivoli Fest): Galleries open Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 12pm-4pm, Mon. 9am- 5pm
Veterans learn art of hand-made paper.Veterans making “combat paper”Veterans learn about music and songwriting.Veterans make sand painting.The completed sand mandala.
interested participants learn the time-honored craft of “Hardanger”
During Julefest in Kimballton,IA (in November, 2013) a group of interested crafters learned the techniques of Danish lace-making called “Hardanger”. The workshop was instructed by LaVonne Christensen
Two art galleries on Kimballton’s Main Street were open to the public to view veterans’ artwork including Tracy Stambaugh (AirForce), Ronee Smith (Army National Guard) and Bart Vargas (Air Force). Art Director Troy Muller’s artwork also remained on view. and a tasting of local wines began at 4:00p.m. A chili cook-off was held at the Cottonwood Barn at 5:30pm. Chili cooks vied for the top three prizes, determined by the most donations they collect in nearby buckets. Proceeds went to student and veteran art scholarships. Entertainment was provided by Loren Christensen on acoustic guitar and the widely popular singing-duo the “Polka Police”. This was a family friendly event; free and open to the public.
Color and black and white photographer Tracy Stambaugh displayed a series of artworks in the Guild Gallery that represent Americana in the Midwest. Tracy was born and raised in Omaha, NE. After high school, he joined the Air Force and was a Law Enforcement troop with the Security Police; in service from 1995-1999. He was primarily stationed at Scott AFB, IL but spent time in Saudi Arabia and Spain. He said that the military taught him, among many other things, to pay attention to detail — a quality necessary to take good photographs. Tracy said that although he was relatively new to photography as an art form, and after picking up a professional-level camera only about two years ago, he has become completely infatuated with it: “I’m constantly thinking
about it, reading about it, looking at others’ work… I even dream about it. I never want to miss an opportunity to take a great photo, I carry my camera everywhere I go. I take photos of anything that catches my eye. I also enjoy coming up with ideas and experimenting, anything as long as I’m pushing that shutter
button.” He said he appreciated the opportunity to exhibit in the NCAG gallery to get feedback and valuable insight from gallery visitors. Tracy said his first goal is to finish school. He said, “I’m considering starting a home photography business, but want to find a niche, something that sets me apart from the rest.”
Tracy’s photos in NCAG Gallery
NEW CAREERS, NEW POSSIBILITIES, NEW DIRECTIONS FOR ARTISTS AND VETERANS
