Local veterans unleash the power of art
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Lyle Jamieson knows the power of art. "If you look at any kind of art work, especially for somebody with some physical or PTSD related issues, art can be very therapeutic, you get engrossed in an art project and all the rest of the world melts away, and it gives you an escape" explains Lyle.
Lyle has been an artist for as long as he can remember. He is a wood turner, who turns wood on his lathe into breathtaking works. He is talented beyond words, so it just makes sense, that this Vietnam veteran would use these skills to help those who also served.
"The veteran organizations have a lot of support for veterans but there is a gap. There are things that they can't do, so we are hoping to pick up the little pieces the other associations can't" says Lyle.
He and his friends saw a need in the veteran community and then thought about what skills they have that could help.
"A group of veterans got together and thought we are going to do a benefit for veterans so we decided to do an art show for our first venture" recalls Lyle.
He goes on to say "It's going to be art by veterans for veterans. It's a way to empower them, to get them out in the community."
This September Veterans Inspiring Veterans will be hosting the first inspirational art show.
"It's all about veterans we want to showcase the veterans’ art so people can buy it. The Cowell’s stepped up and decided to host this, and it's become a huge event."
They have a beautiful location on Old Mission Peninsula to hold the event but right now they need some veterans who are artists to step up.
"Veterans and artists are pretty solitary in their stature so we are having a hard time reaching them so we want to help them get out, celebrate their art. So, we are trying to reach out to artists to join our show. We have a few very very talented artists but we have a no-artist, no-veteran left behind policy."
Lyle says any veteran artist is more than welcomed to attend and showcase their talents even if it's for the first time.
"We have artists that are very famous in our community and very well known, and we have some people that have never exhibited before," said Lyle.
It's art by veterans for veterans on an evening where everyone is more than welcome to attend. "Come and join us, join the celebration, it's going to be a big party" says Lyle.
To learn about showcasing your art, or if you would like to support the Veterans Inspiring Veterans organization by becoming a sponsor of the event click here.
