Local experienced artists show work in Lancaster County
LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) – About a dozen local veterans are displaying their artwork at the Ware Center in downtown Lancaster.
The exhibition is entitled “With courage and creativity”.
Some artists have had a passion for art their entire lives.
“At a young age I realized that I was good at something, and that was art,” said G. Robert Wagner, a veteran artist. “It was natural.”
Wagner and Scott Hower were pioneers for those who wanted to be creative.
However, one veteran co-founded WriteFace, a nonprofit that provides journaling and expressive writing to veterans struggling with reintegration.
Wagner leads an art workshop for veterinarians at the Lebanon Valley VA Medical Center.
“It seemed like every vet did something different with it. With some confidence, they also started selling their work. A few of them reached out to me and they were at national shows,” Wagner said.
Art allows veterans to relax and enjoy time away from reality, leaving them in a better mood.
“We did things that they enjoyed and that made them think good things,” Wagner said. “So we focused on that.”
The opportunity to provide a creative retreat is a humbling factor. One that Hower doesn’t take lightly.
“When I started, it was just a dream,” Hower said. “Now it has turned into something I have to do. I can’t do it.”
The exhibit is open to the public through Thanksgiving.
