Dear Friend of NVAM,

During this unprecedented time in our lives, with the extraordinary unknowns, I frequently reflect on what this uncertainty means, and how we respond. One simple conclusion that I always come to is… during extraordinary times, we do extraordinary things.  Over the past several months, we have all seen individuals and communities around the world accomplish amazing things together.  Giving back, celebrating nurses, doctors and educators, or shopping for a neighbor or family member, has proven to have tremendous impact on our collective efforts to reclaim normalcy. Together, our generosity, our extraordinary efforts, is what will get us through this uncertain time to a place where we are stronger and better connected.

On May 5, 2020, NVAM is participating in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity and giving. Thanks to supporters like you during these unprecedented times, NVAM is able to continue fundamental elements of its mission; to preserve the veteran story and world class art within our permanent collection, to educate, and to connect. Although NVAM remains closed to the public in order to best protect the health and safety of our community, NVAM will continue to provide unique opportunities for reflection, understanding, and civic engagement among all audiences in the ongoing conversation surrounding the impact of conflict on society.

Stand by NVAM – Be Extraordinary!

As a friend of NVAM, your support will make a difference. Please share your passion and support for NVAM with friends and family. On this #GivingTuesdayNow, we ask that you remember NVAM, support our mission, and know that we will continue to provide a resounding voice for veterans now, and well into the future! Thank you for your generosity!

Brendan Foster
Executive Director

UPDATED INFORMATION

Please check Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for COVID-19 updates.

Dear Friends of NVAM,

For the health, safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, staff and community, NVAM will remain temporarily closed through APRIL 30, 2020 as we continue to navigate the escalating impact of COVID-19.
 
All public events, including programs and tours remain on hiatus in support of preventative care efforts to help stop the further spread of COVID-19.
 
In commitment to our mission, we are developing and sharing content through our social media channels and website. Follow along as we continue to digitally exhibit veteran-created art and engage our followers to think about the impact of conflict on our society, community and nation.
 
We will continue to work with Chicago and Illinois public health officials and will update our website with any new developments.

When you enter the National Veterans Art Museum, one of the first artworks you encounter is the Lionehearted artwork, created by US Air Force Veteran, Shawn Ganther. Lionhearted features 24 ceramic plates painted with portraits of 22 Veterans of all branches of the Iraq and Afghanistan War. Each portrait is tied to a interview from the Lionhearted Project created by US Army Veteran Shane Ruiz. The two Chicago-based Veterans, US Army Veteran Chris Groleau, and US Air Force Veteran Brent Webb, revisit their experience from the Lionhearted Project and the Lionhearted Artwork in its permanent home at NVAM, one year later.

Thank you Kari Williams from VFW Magazine for highlighting NVAM's current exhibition, “Maurice Costello: Back to the Nam” as part of the discussion on veterans using art to tell their stories in the September 2019 Issue. See the article online and visit NVAM to see the show!

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