A Big Thank You

As this project nears its completion, I'd like to thank The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey who funded this residency. For me, this has been a great opportunity and a great honor, working with Appel Farm, with the students from Vineland High School South, and with the veterans of the Vineland Veterans' Home, to create the collaborative installation that will soon be up at the Vineland Public Library.

For the students, this project enabled us to use art as a vehicle for conversation about how war affects people, soldier and civilian alike. Additionally, using a mixed media process that combined papermaking, painting, and collage, the students were asked to think outside of the box and develop innovative ways to express the narrative and feelings of those who live in a time of war. Numerous times, I was happily suprised by their solutions.

I will be posting photographs of the last few weeks of the project-in-process, as well as the final installation, very shortly. Please check back here to see the results of all of our hard work!

More Soldiers!

The First Soldiers

Vineland's Distinguished Veterans

The Paper Soldier Project was launched on February 18, 2009, with a discussion between Vineland High School students and local veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Pictured above, from right to left are James Bigelow, E.M. Brady, Russell E. Schureman, Joseph Hampton, Warren Huft (VSA Ret.), and James Alston.

The discussion ranged from how much the veterans missed good, home cooked meals while serving, to what it was like to return home after their time overseas. Many commented on how much their hometown - Vineland, NJ - had changed while they were gone. So much so, that some did not recognize it when they returned. Others commented on the feelings of loss after coming home, for many of their friends did not return with them.

After the assembly, several of the veterans told me that they were glad to hear of this project. They hope, as I do, they by combining art with history in projects like this one, students will understand that history more than facts and dates.

Coming Soon!

This blog will follow the construction of the Paper Soldier Project, a collaboration between Artist-In-Residence Michelle Wilson, and students at Vineland High School South. Check back for more information and images as the project progress!