Art and military service came together Friday evening as veterans from across the country shared their stories through paintings, photographs and sculptures during the opening of “The Veterans Experience Through Art” at the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center.
The reception welcomed veterans, families and community members to view approximately 70 works created by 35 veteran artists from Illinois and beyond. The exhibit runs through March 28 and features a variety of mediums including watercolor, acrylic, oil, photography, sculpture, digital art and drawing.
Executive Director Carol Trzcinski said the exhibit connects with a wide audience.
“It reaches so many people on different levels,” she said. “The veterans community, local residents, art lovers. Plus the different events scheduled for March attract a broader audience.”
Under Trzcinski’s leadership, the gallery has expanded programming designed to bring veterans and civilians together through art and shared experiences. The exhibit provides a space where veterans can express themselves creatively while allowing the public to better understand their perspectives.
Guests at Friday’s reception met several of the participating artists and viewed works that reflected both military service and life beyond the uniform. Some pieces explored themes of duty, sacrifice and memory, while others focused on landscapes, abstract forms and personal experiences.
“It’s a chance to connect with veterans, hear their stories, and experience their world through their artwork,” Trzcinski said.
Among the participating artists is Scott Allen of Palos Heights, who served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years from 1980 until 2006. Allen worked as a military photojournalist during his service and was named Military Photojournalist of the Year by the U.S. Navy in 1989.
“I covered a lot of conflicts, including Saddam’s trials,” Allen said.
Allen said his interest in photography began while attending Morton West High School. Today, he serves on the Veterans Commission in Palos Heights.
His photograph “Liberty Weekend,” displayed at the exhibit as a pro-luster inject print, captures the Fourth of July in New York City in 1986. The image was taken from the deck of the John F. Kennedy building and reflects Allen’s long career behind the camera.
Daniel Naughton-Rayas of Plainfield, who served in the U.S. Army from 2011 through 2015, also contributed two sculptures to the exhibit. His work centers on the human form and emotional expression using industrial materials.
One of his sculptures, a steel nut-and-bolt creation titled “Weight of Transparency,” is the first sculpture he has ever made.
“This was the first art sculpture that I have ever made,” he said.
The piece depicts a human figure holding its heart in its hand and drew strong praise from attendees during the reception. Many visitors noted the sculpture’s creative design and the powerful way it captures vulnerability through the human form.
The exhibit and related events are being held at the gallery, located at 9602 W. Creek Rd., Palos Park.
Additional programming is planned throughout the month. On March 21, the gallery will host Coffee with WWII veteran Howard Hill at 10 a.m., offering visitors an opportunity to hear stories from his service. That same day, Veterans Garage will display historic military vehicles and equipment on the McCord grounds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The exhibit will conclude March 28 with a commemoration of Vietnam Veterans Day at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon featuring the Joliet American Legion band.
Through the exhibit, Trzcinski hopes the gallery continues to serve as a place where veterans’ stories can be shared and honored through art while strengthening connections within the community.
