From Pamlico Rose Institute for Sustainable Communities

 

Despite a light misting rain last Tuesday evening, 30 veterans, family members, artists and community members attended the dedication of the veteran military art display Opportunities for Expression in the Rose Haven gardens. Featuring the art of local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 48, the display hangs from an arbor and includes plaster facemasks of the veterans attached to tin plates painted by the mask owner. Local artists William Aley and Maryalice Johnston mentored the veterans throughout the project. Veterans struggling with trauma benefit from activities such as art to manage the behavioral consequences such as PTSDS, anxiety and depression. Opportunities for Expression was the result of a 2018-2019 Veteran Support Foundation grant awarded to The Arts of the Pamlico and Pamlico Rose Institute for Sustainable Communities and will be a permanent exhibit in the gardens. AoP and Pamlico Rose will pursue additional funding for future art programs for veterans.