The community is invited to Clear Path for Veterans’ second annual Veteran and Community Art Show on Oct. 12. The event will start with a gallery reception and award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Passed hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings will be served. The show is free to attend.
Clear Path’s inaugural art show featured more than 60 works on display representing an array of artistic mediums. The show was taken in by more than 120 patrons, and this year’s show is shaping up to eclipse last year, said Wellness Program Manager Kayleen Spicer.
“This year’s art work is very strong and shows depth in our local talent,” Spicer said. “Many professional artists have enthusiastically put forth work to show on exhibition as well.”
The art show performs triple duty: It introduces many artists to Clear Path as first time visitors; the artwork gives veterans a voice to their military experience and provides an opportunity for sharing and connecting; and community members engage with Clear Path, getting an opportunity to participate alongside veterans in one of Clear Path’s signature programs.
Exhibiting artists new to the show this year are Shawn Gilmore, Pam Steele, Mark Teece and Sara Tietje. Linda Bigness will return this year and show several of her original works.
“As a professional artist, I am excited to be involved with such a fast-growing program,” said Steele, who works in metal and glass and has exhibited nationally.
Local blacksmith Mark Teece will put on a live demonstration with anvils, hot metal and sparks.
A select panel of judges will review every submission, taking into consideration the outstanding effort and remarkable story behind each piece to name the top submissions in the veterans and community art divisions along with honorable mentions. The director’s choice award recognizes one artist for their distinctive artistic output of the highest merit.
New this year, select artists have consented for Clear Path to gift their artwork to a veteran in need. Peer support specialists and those who work with veterans living in subsidized or temporary housing are coordinating with Spicer to identify recipients of the work.
“Art is a basic need, and my artists and I believe that having a piece in your home makes a world of difference” said Spicer. “Using art to make a human connection is a very powerful thing.”
This season at Clear Path was supported by CNY Arts, Onondaga County and The John Ben Snow Foundation.
Clear Path for Veterans is located at 1223 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango, approximately 14 miles east of Syracuse.
For more information about Clear Path, visit its website at ClearPathForVets.com.
