Bravo Zulu:
Veterans Discover Nature Photography
Opening reception: Friday, May 27, 2016
at the National Veterans Art Museum, Chicago, IL
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and the Thresholds Veterans Project, with invaluable assistance from Tobin Fraley (photographer) and John Eskandari (arborist and educator), created a veterans' nature-photography workshop in 2015. For eight months, a small group of veterans explored and discovered the world of nature through a camera. Each workshop was a mix of technical instruction, reflection about art, and nature exploration. The program was designed to provide access to a safe and inspirational outdoor setting and to stimulate creative expression. As our knowledge about the impact of combat-related trauma grows, so does our understanding that nature and the artistic process are important therapeutic tools and critical to overall well-being.
Participants in the workshop not only learned basic photography skills, but began to learn and use the language of the art—focus, framing, pattern, contrast, shadow. The veterans were constantly challenged to explore their surroundings and search for the hidden details of nature. Their instructor pushed them to look differently at the world and let nature reveal itself. This exhibit represents some of their best work and shows that they are not just veterans, but artists.
The term "Bravo Zulu" originated as a naval signal meaning "well done", and today, it is commonly used to congratulate crews for their outstanding performance. The body of work in this exhibit deserves such praise. To everyone involved in this project: Bravo Zulu.
Free. Exhibition runs May 27 - June 4, 2016 at the National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641. Gallery hours: Tuesdays — Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening reception to be held Friday, May 27 from 4-7pm.
Veterans Discover Nature Photography
Opening reception: Friday, May 27, 2016
at the National Veterans Art Museum, Chicago, IL
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and the Thresholds Veterans Project, with invaluable assistance from Tobin Fraley (photographer) and John Eskandari (arborist and educator), created a veterans' nature-photography workshop in 2015. For eight months, a small group of veterans explored and discovered the world of nature through a camera. Each workshop was a mix of technical instruction, reflection about art, and nature exploration. The program was designed to provide access to a safe and inspirational outdoor setting and to stimulate creative expression. As our knowledge about the impact of combat-related trauma grows, so does our understanding that nature and the artistic process are important therapeutic tools and critical to overall well-being.
Participants in the workshop not only learned basic photography skills, but began to learn and use the language of the art—focus, framing, pattern, contrast, shadow. The veterans were constantly challenged to explore their surroundings and search for the hidden details of nature. Their instructor pushed them to look differently at the world and let nature reveal itself. This exhibit represents some of their best work and shows that they are not just veterans, but artists.
The term "Bravo Zulu" originated as a naval signal meaning "well done", and today, it is commonly used to congratulate crews for their outstanding performance. The body of work in this exhibit deserves such praise. To everyone involved in this project: Bravo Zulu.
Free. Exhibition runs May 27 - June 4, 2016 at the National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641. Gallery hours: Tuesdays — Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening reception to be held Friday, May 27 from 4-7pm.
