All Exhibits

Showcasing the history and depth of veteran artistry

Now Showing

Dec 16, 2025 – Ongoing

2021 Featured Artists

Veteran Art Institute is proud to present the 2021 featured artists of the year. The 2021 Veteran Art Exhibit is the first VAI exhibit since the pandemic. This calls to mind the resilience and tenacity of veterans in general, but especially those who have expressed themselves through their art. What great role models for everyone’s mental health! The VAI 2021 Featured Artist Exhibit provides a new platform to view veteran art, in a “gallery”, without having to worry about social distancing. Our featured 2021 veteran artists represent a cross-section of pre and post 9/11, diverse service divisions, cross section of gender, age, ethnicity and medium. This exhibit will continue to update with more artists. Some artists are also featured in “VETART’s Pop-Up Cafés” – a partnership with the California’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC). It’s overarching arts advocacy goal of generating awareness of the critical role the arts play in benefitting the mental wellness of Veterans.

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Mar 27, 2025 – Oct 4, 2025

Healing Through Art: A Veteran Perspective

An archived exhibition exploring art as therapy and expression for military veterans.

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Nov 8, 2024 – Nov 11, 2024

Veteran Art Exhibit at the Ri-Nu Imagination Gallery

Veteran Art Exhibit at the Ri-Nu Imagination Gallery The Ri-Nu Imagination Gallery in Rancho Cordova, CA, graciously hosted the Veteran Art Exhibit from November 8th to November 11th, 2024. This inspiring showcase featured a diverse collection of powerful artwork created by Veteran Artists from Northern California, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the unique perspectives and lived experiences of those who have served in the armed forces. The exhibit celebrated the resilience, creativity, and personal stories of veterans through a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, emphasizing the healing and transformative power of art. The exhibit kicked off with a memorable opening reception on November 8th, 2024, where attendees were welcomed with wine generously donated by the renowned local Miraflores Winery. The event provided an intimate setting for the community to connect with the artists, hear their stories, and engage in meaningful conversations about service, sacrifice, and creative expression. The Veteran Art Exhibit not only honored the artistic contributions of veterans but also fostered a deeper appreciation for their service and the role of art in their journey toward self-expression and healing.

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Jun 1, 2024 – Jun 30, 2024

2024 I AM RELENTLESS

The Veteran Art Institute (VAI) proudly presents I AM RELENTLESS! “I AM RELENTLESS” is an online exhibit about determination and refusal to give up! to affirm: I am relentless In my belief of myself. when doubts, fears, judgements, worries and shame, I see it, I name it, I examine it, and come back to the truth that I know deep down. I am capable. I belong. I am allowed. I am worthy of giving myself a chance. credit: www.yourjoyologist.com

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Jun 1, 2024 – Jun 30, 2024

2024 - Carlos Luis Olivas

2024 - Carlos Luis Olivas Courageously and Artistically Flourishing with Alzheimer’s Embark on the artistic journey of a true patriot. Born in 1941, Carlos Luis Olivas, Jr. is not just an artist; he's a seasoned sculptor and two-dimensional artist who has shaped his creative narrative since his teens. Carlos's caregiver, custodian, and son; Carlos Luis Olivas III stands as a pillar of support, courageously navigating his father's Alzheimer's journey. The Veteran Art Institute is pleased to share online, through the voice of his son, "This is my brain," Carlos L. Olivas Jr., which is currently on exhibit at Artbeat Gallery Studio and Gift Shop in Sacramento, CA. Artistic Alchemy: Navigating Imperfection with Purpose In the vibrant tapestry of Alzheimer's caregiving, there exists an extraordinary intersection – the fusion of artistic souls and the rhythmic dance of daily routines. This mission is a celebration of those, like my dad, who, despite the challenges of Alzheimer's, find solace and strength in the canvas of creativity. This artwork stands as a profound representation of the intricate dance between imperfection, Alzheimer's, and the purposeful brushstrokes of creativity. It unveils the beauty that emerges when routine and passion intersect in an individual's journey through the labyrinth of challenges posed by Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is far from perfect, and it is essential not to demand perfection from it. Instead, this piece invites us to witness the imperfect beauty that arises when one embraces the ebb and flow of the Alzheimer's journey. In the canvas of life, people grappling with Alzheimer’s can still find purpose through a therapeutic approach that preserves quality of life factors and instruments of dignity. This artwork is a testament to the resilience and strength that can be harnessed even in the face of cognitive complexities. A Philanthropic Touch: In the spirit of fostering hope and support, the proceeds from this gallery exhibition will contribute to the Charlie Robot’s Walk to End Alzheimer's fundraising page. This initiative embodies the collective stride towards a world free from the clutches of Alzheimer's, empowering individuals and caregivers alike. Your visit to the gallery becomes a symbolic step in supporting not just the artistic expression within the Alzheimer's community but also the tangible efforts to advance research, awareness, and care through organization’s like Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer's . Join us in this dual celebration of artistic resilience and philanthropic unity, where imperfection transforms into a masterpiece of purpose. Whispers of Memory: Nurturing Creativity Amidst the Alzheimer's Journey As the family caregiver, care partner, and steward of my dad's artworks, this masterpiece takes on a profound meaning. It becomes a visual chronicle of the nuanced dance between grief and the vibrant hues of creativity within the realm of Alzheimer's.

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Dec 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023

2023 Retrospective

The Veteran Art Institute (VAI) proudly presents a 2023 Retrospective. This exciting new online veteran art show not only exhibits new pieces from our “veteran” Veteran Artists but also welcomes the art of our newest members. Since 11.11.23, and with the help of our software partner Retreeve™, VAI has welcomed 65 new artists to the community, representing a cross section of military branches and multiple artistic disciplines. New artists who are veterans join every day and will be highlighted in 2024 Exhibits. We encourage you, the viewer, beyond viewing the art, to delve deeper into the artists social media links to learn more about them, their stories and their art. VAI invites all veterans to join and collaborate with the energy and support of other veteran artists within our community.

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Nov 23, 2021 – Nov 23, 2021

2017 Women’s Veteran Art Exhibit

2017 Women’s Veteran Art Exhibit CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE FOR WOMEN Amy Forsythe Amy Forsythe served four combat tours as an enlisted military journalist in the U.S. Marine Corps. She's covered combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and continues to serve in the U.S. Navy reserves as a Public Affairs Officer. Her videos and photos have been featured on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC through the years. She currently works Defense Media Activity as the bureau chief in Guam covering military operations and exercises in the Pacific and can always be found with a camera in her hand taking pictures and video from her travels. Cara Myhre Cara Myhre served as a Cryptologic Arabic Linguist in the Army and Army Reserve from 1999 to 2011, deploying to OIF and OEF. After discovering that drawing and painting helped her to heal from a traumatic experience, she decided to use her GI Bill to study Fine Art along with Psychology. She is currently volunteering in the social services and plans to earn a Masters degree in Social Work so that she might help others heal from trauma, including her fellow veterans. Debra Russell Deveon Sudduth Laura Taylor Laura Taylor is a Navy veteran who served as an F-14 Jet Mechanic (AD) as well as an F-14 and F-18 Plane Captain. Laura has been creating art since well before her service from 1993-1997. After serving Laura continued her education earning a degree in Visual Communications leading her into a Graphic Design career. Since 2010 Laura has been selling her work and later instructing classes. Laura's passion for the arts as well as her passion for her country and her family who have also served showcases among her work. Lindsay Zike Natalie Lopez Natalie Lopez is currently serving in the Air Force as a Security Forces member; top 10% designated marksman in the United States; former glass ceiling breaker as a Ranger candidate; former Military Training Instructor; and a Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. Born and raised in San Antonio TX, Natalie's dad expressed that she had a gift of art and to embrace it. She became a self taught artist, researching techniques and enhancing her skills. Natalie is an artist with a powerful statement and vision. Today, she is working towards fulfilling her education in Art Therapy and volunteering at art centers helping our Veterans with PTSD. Pamela Corwin Pamela currently works as a wildlife and fisheries biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. She has her master's in Avian Ecology and is restoring historical American shad spawning runs, previously impacted by dams and river alterations. She was in the Army for 6 years, serving in the 218th Combat Support Battalion in Charleston, South Carolina. Her MOS was a 42A but was retrained into the R3SP program for Suicide Prevention. She also was a fitness and health NCO and Range Safety. Pamela's creative background started when she could pick up a pencil. She never took any art classes outside of high school and let her experiences in life guide her creativity. She enjoys painting and drawing wildlife and military scenes that provoke thought or emotion. Stacey Thompson Marine Corps veteran Stacey Thompson served on active duty from August 1998 - June 2000. Stacey is an accomplished artist who uses her artwork to share her story of survival from Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Stacey is a completely self-taught artist and relies heavily on the memory of her Grandmother who taught her the foundations of artistry as a young child. Although a disabled veteran herself, Stacey is a full-time caregiver to her husband Retired GySgt. Jesse Thompson. Stacey has a Master's of Science Degree and is the mother of three children. Stacey's success thus far as a professional artist, motivational speaker, and advocate is certainly an indication of things to come in her future. Victoria R. Bryers Victoria Bryers joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1974 the first year the CG accepted women onto active duty. In 1977 she was selected to be among the first women stationed on a combat ship, the USCGC Gallatin. Following active duty, she transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve where she completed 30 years (16 active). After retirement she attended the University of New Mexico completing her BFA and currently completing her MA in Art Education, a life long dream. Currently, Victoria is working on a project to honor women who have died on active duty illustrating to the world that women too give all.

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