Artworks that help heal
It looked like most other art exhibits, but the works on display at Fanshawe College were part of a healing process for the artists.
The Veterans Art Exhibit featured creations by former members of the military, first responders, and frontline health care workers who have faced emotional struggles as a result of their work.
James Agesen started the Veterans Art Initiative two years ago, but the display at Fanshawe’s Innovation Village was the first public exhibit, "You end up with one of two things if you spend your career; mental illness, physical injury - or both. Unfortunately, that's the trade-off of serving your country."
Agesen is a former member of the RCMP and the Canadian military. Art helped him deal with depression and alcoholism.
He said the social aspect of the program is also vital, "It brings people together who isolate themselves anyways. When you get out of the service, a lot of people end up isolating themselves. They go from a regimented routine to nothing."
The Veterans Art Exhibit, seen on May 3, 2024, was part of the Veterans Art Initiative started by James Agesen. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
The Veterans Art Exhibit took place on Thursday and Friday, but Ageson is planning other showings, including a return to Fanshawe.
The charitable venture is designed to promote the artist’s continued participation and encourage others to join.
"We put their work online for sale, and at these types of shows,” Agesen told CTV News. “20 per cent goes to the Veterans Art Initiative to buy supplies and rent rooms, and 80 per cent goes back to the artist, which encourages them and also gives them a little bit of an extra income."
This inaugural exhibit was sponsored by Fanshawe College and local Canadian Legion branches.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.