From December 1-5, the Veteran Artist Program (VAP) will hold an art exhibit in the Capitol sponsored by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. The VAP will bring 30 pieces of veteran artwork to the Senate Russell building to be displayed in the rotunda until Friday, December 5. Thirty pieces of work were selected from more than 400 submissions and 30 states. Artists from World War II to current conflicts are represented; showcasing the creative talent that veterans possess before, during, and after their military service. The exhibit will feature Virginia-based artists from Arlington, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Barboursville. Senator Kaine will join founder and President of VAP, Brian McDonald, on Wednesday, December 3, to view the exhibit and discuss ways the program supports veteran artists.

The pieces currently displayed at the Russell Building were part of the first ever Veteran Artist Program national exhibit displayed at the Pentagon from Veterans Day 2013-2014, organized by VAP founder BR McDonald in conjunction with the Pentagon Art Curator and the Patriotic Art Series.

The exhibit coincides with the December 5-7 performance at Center Stage of 2014 Telling: Baltimore, a stage performance by local veterans as part of the VAP's national program, The Telling Project.  The Telling Project works to deepen our understanding of the military and veterans’ experience. Greater understanding fosters receptivity, eases veterans’ transitions back to civil society, and allows communities to benefit from veterans' skills and experience.