Art Spark Texas and Texas Folklife are pleased to announce the virtual opening of the Distinguished Artist Veterans Exhibition.

About the Exhibit

This exhibition is the eleventh annual Distinguished Artist Veterans juried exhibit of work by veterans from across Texas who served from the mid-1950s to the present, representing all military branches.

This virtual exhibit and audio stories that accompany the work offer various viewpoints about the world through our Texas Veterans’ eyes and voices. Their paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media reflect the artists’ military and life experience and creativity. For more information, visit www.artsparktx.org and www.texasfolklife.org.

The virtual exhibit will launch on Veteran’s Day, November 11th, at bit.ly/31NY3gM.

Veteran Artists

Twenty-one veteran artists from thirteen cities across Texas have been selected to showcase their pieces in this exhibit:

Austin: Logan Lopez – United States Army, 2008-2016

Copperas Cove: Kathleen Conway – United States Army Sergeant, 1983-1990. Rick Hoppe – United States Army, 1975-1995.

Fort Hood: Peter J Buotte – United States Army, 1989 – 2016.

Fort Worth: Michelle L Johnson – United States Army, 2005-2013.  SiNaCa Studios, Veteran 1 – United States Army, United States Navy. SiNaCa Studios, Group Collaboration – United States Army, United States Navy. Burl Washington – United States Army 1971-73.

Georgetown: Judith Estrada Garcia – United States Marine Corps, 1982-2007. Wes Odell – United States Army, 1954-1957.

Harwood: Denise Knebel – United States Air Force/CM Sergeant, 1981-2004.

Killeen: Will Smith – United States Army.

Round Rock: Ricardo Robles – United States Navy, 2006-2012. Glenn R Towery – United States Navy, 1969-1971.

Salado: Shelly Watson – United States Army, 2005-2013.

San Antonio: John Garland III – United States Air Force, 1974-2005. Ruth L McIntosh – United States Air Force, 1982-1991. Wayne L Stevens – United States Army, 1975-1978.

San Marcos: Terry McDowell – US Marine Corps, 1988-1992; US Army, 2004-2016.

Sunset: Dr. Carl G Lilly – United States Navy, 1965-1969.

Texarkana: Thomas Morrissey – United States Army, 1969-1971.

Austin Studio Tour

The Austin Studio Tour 2020 is a free, self-guided art event that combines the East Austin Studio Tour and West Austin Studio Tour. Austin Studio Tour provides opportunities for artists all over Austin to connect and for the public to experience art in creative virtual ways and socially distanced outdoor spaces. While artist studios are at the core of Big Medium’s studio tours, this event is also inclusive of all forms of artistic practice, creation, performance, and exhibition. The Distinguished Artist Veterans exhibit will be available to view on the Austin Studio Tour 2020 site on November 14th.

About Art Spark Texas

Art Spark Texas challenges perceptions of how people contribute by creating an arts-inspired, inclusive community of individuals with diverse abilities. We started services specifically for veterans with disabilities/wounded warriors in 2009. We provide opportunities year-round for creative veterans to get involved in the arts.

About Texas Folklife

Texas Folklife is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the presentation and preservation of the diverse cultures and living heritage of the Lone Star State. Since 1984, Texas Folklife has honored the cultural traditions passed down within communities, explored their importance in contemporary society, and celebrated them by providing accessible and joyful arts experiences.