Art exhibit honors Veterans and their talents

A group of people standing in front of a crowd posing for the camera - Social group
Pictured (l-r) are: a veteran exhibitor; Pat Bowman, FKCA Board Vice Chair; Executive Director Liz Young; FKCC Professor and Board Chairman Dean Walters; Katie Warner, FKCA supporter, Sherry Phillips, Secretary; Elizabeth Miller, Advisory Board member; Veteran exhibitor Henry Fuller, and Susann and Bobby D’Antonio.

FKCA exhibit through Dec. 30

Little Torch resident Connie Powers is determined to undermine the prediction that by the year 2020, there will be no more veterans from the second World War.

“I beg your pardon, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon!” said the 87-year-old nartist who crafts masterpieces from scrap materials.

The Chicago native who served as a Psychiatric Social Worker in WWII recently hauled a sundial crafted from recycled soda pop cans to “A Salute to the Arts” exhibit at the Gato Building in Key West coordinated by the Florida Keys Council for the Arts (FKCA).

Pictured (l-r) are: a veteran exhibitor; Pat Bowman, FKCA Board Vice Chair; Executive Director Liz Young; FKCC Professor and Board Chairman Dean Walters; Katie Warner, FKCA supporter, Sherry Phillips, Secretary; Elizabeth Miller, Advisory Board member; Veteran exhibitor Henry Fuller, and Susann and Bobby D’Antonio.

The rotating installation on behalf of Monroe County’s Art in Public Buildings Program, was launched, coincidentally, around the same night the Bottlecap Lounge hosted their monthly not-for-profit benefit, and FKCA was up on the schedule.

Executive Director Liz Young surmised that since the event fell on Veteran’s Day, it would be appropriate to organize an exhibit honoring the men and women who’ve served in the military.

“It was a beautiful marriage between the two events, and we had wonderful veterans staffing the event at the Bottlecap as celebrity bartenders,” said Jodell Roberts of FKCA.

Nearly every medium is on display, from Powers’ recycled works, to Henry Fuller’s wildlife and sunset photographs.

Bob Hans “Feeding at Sunset, Tropical Creatures” is made with copper, enamel and art glass. Hans served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963.

I thought it was a great honor and a privilege that these people would take the time to check out our art,” Fuller said, adding that his favorite subjects, as a lifelong resident of Key West, are naturally, wildlife and sunsets.

“I’ve had a particular interest in birds ever since I watched the Audubon films in elementary school,” remembered the U.S. Army Crew Chief Door Gunner during the Tet Offensive in 1968.

The works of the 40-plus veterans will be on display at the Gato Building in Key West through December 30.

Roberts said that the both the artists’ reception and fundraising event were so well attended, the exhibit will likely evolve into an annual one on the Florida Keys Council for the Arts calendar.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit www.keysarts.com.