 
'Art for Honor' Exhibition Showcases Veterans' Stories and Creativity at ArtPrize 2024
Grand Rapids, MI (September 12, 2024) – A partnership between the Kent County Veterans Services, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, and Healing in Arts is highlighting 27 veteran artists and other groups as part of the Art for Honor exhibition at ArtPrize 2024. This free event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 101 Fulton St. E in downtown Grand Rapids.
Visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to explore deeply personal works created by veterans, while enjoying live music and family-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon animals, and children’s crafts.
“Art for Honor creates a unique space for our local veterans to share their stories through creative expression,” said Pamela Alderman, the exhibition’s organizer. “By showcasing their work, we honor their service while fostering a sense of community, understanding, and empathy.”
Each piece in the Art for Honor exhibition conveys a story of service, sacrifice, and healing. Highlights include The Protector by Laszlo Szalay, a metal K-9 sculpture honoring CWD EMPEROR, a bomb detection dog who served with SEAL Team 3. Emperor’s bravery in Iraq and Afghanistan earned him a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, commemorated through this stunning work of art. Another standout is Portraits of Her Service, a photography series by LaJoy Cotton and Tara Becker, which captures powerful images of women veterans in creative and intimate settings. These portraits reveal personal stories of strength, resilience, and dedication, honoring the contributions of women who have served our country.
"We are thrilled to cohost this art exhibit, which celebrates the creativity and resilience of our veterans,” said Director of Veterans Services Ryan Grams. “Their stories of service and sacrifice are powerfully reflected in each piece of art, and it’s an honor to showcase their work. I encourage all residents to attend and support our veterans by experiencing the incredible talent on display."
The exhibition not only gives veterans a platform to express their experiences through art but also provides them with an opportunity to sell their work—offering validation and support as part of their healing process.
Event schedule:
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9:45 AM - 10:15 AM: Pre-ceremony entertainment by the 126th Army Band
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10:15 AM: Arrival of the Patriot Guard motorcyclists
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10:30 AM: Opening remarks and introductions
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10:50 AM - 3:00 PM: Live music and family activities, including face painting, balloon animals, and children’s crafts
In addition to the art displays on September 14, special guest speakers will reflect on the significance of veteran storytelling through art.
Residents are invited to celebrate the creativity and bravery of our veterans by engaging with the powerful stories behind their artwork. While the exhibition runs from September 13 to 28, we encourage everyone to join us on Saturday, September 14, for a special event featuring live music, family activities, and opportunities to meet the artists and hear their stories firsthand. Visit Veterans Memorial Park to experience these inspiring works and take a moment to thank our veterans for their service.
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