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BRUSHWOOD CENTER
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  • Bravo Zulu, At Ease · 2016
Picture
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. 
Picture
21850 N. Riverwoods Rd.
​Riverwoods, IL 60015
224.633.2424 info@brushwoodcenter.org

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Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is committed to enabling the participation and enjoyment of our programming and events for all visitors. At Brushwood Center, you will have open access to accessible parking and entrance to the house, a gender neutral bathroom, and changing tables.

If you require certain accommodations in order to observe or attend our events, or have questions regarding accessibility of our facilities, please contact our Director of Public Programs and Music, Parker Nelson, at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org or at (224) 633-2424 ext. 1.

Programming and events at Brushwood Center are available to everyone, including but not limited to age, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation.​


Site Photography by: In Life Photography, Michael Kardas Photography, Ewa Pasek Photography, and Brushwood Staff​

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Sunday: 1pm - 3pm
and by appointment 
  • ABOUT
    • Our Mission and Vision
    • Our Board
    • Our Partners
    • Our Staff
    • In the News
    • Blog
    • Join Our Mailing List
    • Visit Us
    • Contact Us
  • EVENTS
  • ART
    • Gallery >
      • Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
      • Past Exhibitions
    • BASE - Brushwood Art Supply Exchange
    • Classes >
      • Botanical Art Academy
      • Create and Sip Classes
      • Drawing Fundamentals for Beginners
      • Make With Me Classes
    • Calls for Art
  • MUSIC
  • WELLNESS
    • 2023 Nature Explorer Backpack Project
    • Health, Equity, and Nature Accelerator
    • Drip & Culture - On the Grounds
    • At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
    • It's A W.I.N. - Programming for Community
    • Senior Wellness
  • RENTALS
  • SUPPORT
    • Donate
    • Our Sponsors