Showcasing the art of veterans who served in various branches of the military. These displays will be changing during the month of November. Here is the list of artists currently displaying their work, and the location of the Welcome Center where their art can be seen.
Photo By: Maryland Public Television (MPT)
1 MPT Salutes Vietnam Veterans Traveling Exhibit
Features both current-day and wartime images of 16 men and women along with their recollections of incidents from the war. The exhibit has been divided with portions on display at all of Maryland’s Welcome Centers during the month of November. Also included is an opportunity for children to color pages to thank veterans as well as stationery for visitors to craft messages to veterans or share their own stories. This compelling exhibit, made possible in part by Maryland Relay and the SunTrust Foundation, has already visited dozens of locations throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Contact Jessie Campbell at [email protected] if your organization would like to rent this exhibit for future events. Additionally discounts for MPT’s own series, “Maryland Vietnam War Stories” are available to Maryland Veterans Appreciation Month Passport holders.
Photo By: Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
2 PBS’s “The Vietnam War”, a documentary by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick's ten-part, 18-hour documentary series tells the epic story of one of the most consequential, divisive, and controversial events in American history as it has never before been told on film. Visceral and immersive, the series explores the human dimensions of the war through revelatory testimony of nearly 80 witnesses from all sides—Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as combatants and civilians from North and South Vietnam. Trailers from this new documentary currently airing on PBS will be shown at all of Maryland’s Welcome Centers throughout the month of November. Discounts on purchasing DVDs of the series are available to Maryland Veterans Appreciation Month Passport holders.
Photo By: MDOT SHA
3 The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) Fallen Heroes Exhibit
Features display boards with images of fallen military service members who have had roads dedicated in their name across the state. The exhibits feature a picture of the service member, a brief write-up about their service and sacrifice and a picture of the road sign erected in their honor. The display will also include a location of the sign should travelers want to see it. This exhibit will travel to Maryland’s various Welcome Centers across the state. Additionally, MDOT SHA has created an interactive map which will show where all of the dedication roads and signs are located. This map will not only include military service member dedications, but also all named dedications. Click here to see the interactive map.
Photo By: Barbara Gilbert
4 "Capturing the Moment" by Barbara Gilbert
Artist: Barbara. J. Gilbert
Easton, MD
U.S. Airforce, Retired
Medium: Photography
Ms. Gilbert served in the U.S. Airforce from 1985 until her medical retirement as an Aerospace Systems Control Operator, Staff Sergeant during Desert Storm/Shield in 1992. She has participated in local and regional amateur photography contests since 2012, and sees photography as both her outlet and passion for the beauty of Maryland.
Ms. Gilbert's exhibit can be viewed at the Bay Country Welcome Center, 1000 Welcome Drive, Centreville, MD 21617, 9am-5pm daily, 410-758-2181.
Photo By: Jeffrey Engle
5 "Coastal Inspiration" by Jeffrey Engle
Artist: Jeffrey Engle
Salisbury, MD
U.S. Coast Guard, Retired
Medium: Mixed and natural (sea shells/sand) media
Mr. Engle served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1990 until he retired from his last post in Law Enforcement in 2014. He served on both U.S. coasts, as well as Alaska, the Caribbean, Panama, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, and he was on duty during 9/11. Mr. Engle uses his art to give back to veterans, most recently by painting scenic designs on nearly 40 ceiling panels throughout the VA’s community living center at Perry Point. His art is influenced by his time at sea, his upbringing on the Jersey Shore, and his mother, Dorothy Engle, who is also an artist.
Mr. Engle's exhibit can be viewed at the Bay Country Welcome Center, 1000 Welcome Drive, Centreville, MD 21617, 9am-5pm daily, 410-758-2181.
Photo By: Alie B. Koroma
6 "African Chores" by Alie Badarah Koroma
Artist: Alie Koroma
Bel Air, MD
U.S. Army, Retired
Medium: Charcoal, ink, colored pencils, oil on canvas
Mr. Koroma is a native of Sierra Leone, West Africa, migrating to the United States in 1988 seeking a better life and education. After graduating with a degree in automotive technology, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1993 where he enjoyed a distinguished and highly decorated 22 ½ year career until retiring in 2015 as a Sargeant First Class. His art is highly influenced by his early days in West Africa and military travel, and he now strives to not only gain exposure for his own art, but to help other artists from around the world in cross-cultural collaborations. Mr. Koroma can be reached by calling 443-866-0173 or emailing [email protected].
Mr. Koroma's exhibit can be viewed at the I-95 South Welcome Center, Between Exits 38 & 35, Mile Marker 37, Savage, MD 20763, 9a.m. - 5p.m. daily. 301-490-2481
7 Digital photography, oil on canvas by James Myrick
Artist: James Myrick
Owings Mills, MD 21117
U.S. Army
Medium: Digital photography, oil on canvas
Mr. Myrick was drafted in 1966 and served in Vietnam as a Specialist 4th Class, Special Forces until 1968. After returning to the United States, he studied and received a B.S. in Art Education and an M.A. in Fine Art from Towson University. His style reflects his involvement with sign painting, decorative arts, faux finishing and marbleizing.
Mr. Myrick's exhibit can be viewed at the I-95 South Welcome Center, Between Exits 38 & 35, Mile Marker 37, Savage, MD 20763, 9a.m. - 5p.m. daily. 301-490-2481
8 "Photography of Paper" by David Wonderling
Artist: David Wonderling
Olney, MD 20832
U.S. Army
Medium: Photography
Mr. Wonderling served as an Army public information specialist (writer and photographer) in Vietnam, and has since completed a 40 year career in public relations, advertising and marketing. He has managed photographers and served as one for a wide variety of corporate and agency projects and publications, and served as the editor of several award winning corporate magazines. The images he is displaying currently are of Civil War National Battlefields, and images influenced by his time in Vietnam.
Mr. Wonderling's exhibit can be viewed at the Mason-Dixon Welcome Center, US 15 South, 17300 Catoctin Mountain Hwy., Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727, 9a.m. - 5p.m. daily.
