Guest Post: ArtCenter Manatee to unveil Freedom Mural honoring veterans

Editor's Note: ArtCenter Manatee is a partner of The Patterson Foundation's Legacy of Valor campaign honoring veterans and their families in Southwest Florida. 

ArtCenter Manatee is partnering with Manasota Operation Troop Support and area artists and veterans to create a Freedom Mural as part of the Legacy of Valor campaign honoring veterans and their families throughout Southwest Florida. The Freedom Mural provides the opportunity for veterans and their families to come together and tell their stories of valor, honor and bravery by painting individual canvases that will be parts of the overall mural.

The mural is well underway -- with the frame set and canvases in place with each section of the flag drawn on to it. Community member Kristine Johansen was the first to take a section of the mural home, and is working on illustrating the legacy of her grandfather and other family members who bravely served our country.

Anne Walker, an instructor at ArtCenter Manatee, took a section of six canvases to have her “veteran” students work on their pieces of the mural. Art Dillard took four canvases home to work on conveying what his family’s service meant to him. Ralph Johnson, who served in the Marine Corps,  also took four canvases with him to paint his interpretation of his service to our country. We have a feeling he will take a few more.

The mural will be unveiled on March 29 at 11 a.m. at ArtCenter Manatee and is open to the public.