I realized that I did not publicize November's Vet Art Project Workshop, and for that I apologize. We had a fantastic reading of Tim "Kimo" Brien's play "Green Curtain". It is a pseudo biographical (at least that is my impression) production which addresses, without any simplistic reductionism, the cultural divide between veterans and civilians. In the play you have three characters which present different points of view on the military. Tim the Air Force veteran, his friend Mike, who admires Tim but does not wholly understand military culture but is considering enlisting, and finally Nessa, Mike's liberal girlfriend/fiance who is a little naive and against the military, but still likes gets along with Tim. The play shifts between the interactions of the three main characters and flashback monologue scenes where Tim clarifies some of the exchanges. "Green Curtain" is unflinching look at the disparity in how veterans get treated. It addresses some of the shortcomings of the Veterans Affairs systems, some of the habits some veterans carry over into civilian life, and holds diametrically opposing thoughts without self-destructing.
Naturally, this was a stage reading and the play will no doubt undergo a series of rewrites. However, "Green Curtain" can only get better, in my opinion.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Chicago In War: Event - Intrusive Thoughts
INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS
- An exhibition of work by Veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Global War on Terror
The National Veterans Art Museum
1801 S. Indianan
5-8PM Opening November 11th
7PM Artist Talks
Show runs November 11 2010 - May 2011
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM
Intrusive thoughts are unwelcome involuntary thoughts, images, or unpleasant ideas that may become obsessions are upsetting or distressing, and can be difficult to manage or eliminate. Although they are commonly unseen, there are silent signs of our current occupations in our local communities, households, and memories. This show will feature work by veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terror that will bring these signs from the shadows to the forefront and give these traumas a voice in the political and cultural discussion of today.
Artist:
* Jeremy Stainthorp Berggren
* Erica Slone
* Combat Paper Project
* Peter Sullivan
* Jacob Flom
* Jon Turner
* Ash Kyrie
* Chris Vongsawat
* Leonard Shelton
* Joyce Wagner
* Warrior Writers Project
This event is part of Chicago in War a project of The National Veterans Art Museum
The distance is great.
The disconnect is great.
The impact is deep.
CHICAGO IN WAR
Chicago in War is a series of events, art shows, and performances that explores the continued rupturing of the traumas of war in everyday America.
The occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan have and will continue to leave deep scars in our hearts and minds; and for some of us these scars are emblazoned on our physical bodies and memories. Too often these occupations are swept from our conscience, into the alleys of our streets, into the corners of our city and our collective minds. If they are ever to come to end, their myriad effects must be recognized, unearthed, uncovered, demystified , and exposed!
- An exhibition of work by Veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Global War on Terror
The National Veterans Art Museum
1801 S. Indianan
5-8PM Opening November 11th
7PM Artist Talks
Show runs November 11 2010 - May 2011
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM
Intrusive thoughts are unwelcome involuntary thoughts, images, or unpleasant ideas that may become obsessions are upsetting or distressing, and can be difficult to manage or eliminate. Although they are commonly unseen, there are silent signs of our current occupations in our local communities, households, and memories. This show will feature work by veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terror that will bring these signs from the shadows to the forefront and give these traumas a voice in the political and cultural discussion of today.
Artist:
* Jeremy Stainthorp Berggren
* Erica Slone
* Combat Paper Project
* Peter Sullivan
* Jacob Flom
* Jon Turner
* Ash Kyrie
* Chris Vongsawat
* Leonard Shelton
* Joyce Wagner
* Warrior Writers Project
This event is part of Chicago in War a project of The National Veterans Art Museum
The distance is great.
The disconnect is great.
The impact is deep.
CHICAGO IN WAR
Chicago in War is a series of events, art shows, and performances that explores the continued rupturing of the traumas of war in everyday America.
The occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan have and will continue to leave deep scars in our hearts and minds; and for some of us these scars are emblazoned on our physical bodies and memories. Too often these occupations are swept from our conscience, into the alleys of our streets, into the corners of our city and our collective minds. If they are ever to come to end, their myriad effects must be recognized, unearthed, uncovered, demystified , and exposed!
Friends of the Vet Art Project: Chicago in War, a project of IAVW
Through the nonth of November, the Iraq Veterans Against the War is sponsoring a series of events in the Chicago Area. You can view the full listing here.
Just this week, they will be kicking off with the following events
Just this week, they will be kicking off with the following events
The distance is great.
The disconnect is great.
The impact is deep.
CHICAGO IN WAR
A project of The National Veterans Art Museum
Chicago in War is a series of events, art shows, and performances that explores the continued rupturing of the traumas of war in everyday America.
The occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan have and will continue to leave deep scars in our hearts and minds; and for some of us these scars are emblazoned on our physical bodies and memories. Too often these occupations are swept from our conscience, into the alleys of our streets, into the corners of our city and our collective minds. If they are ever to come to end, their myriad effects must be recognized, unearthed, uncovered, demystified , and exposed!
November 2010
Nov 1 | National Novel Writing for Veterans an Community Members
Iraqi Health Now has been sending medical supplies and other humanitarian aid to Iraq since 2006. In a historic gesture, two American Iraq war veterans, Geoff Millard and Hart Viges from Iraq Veterans Against the War will travel with IHNʼs Haider Al Saedy to Iraq. They will work together to distribute our next shipment of humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people. Watch a short documentary of our efforts in Iraq and help support this next shipment.
7-9PM Nov 1, 8, 22, 29 | Mess Hall 6932 North Glenwood Avenue Chicago IL 60626
Iraqi Health Now has been sending medical supplies and other humanitarian aid to Iraq since 2006. In a historic gesture, two American Iraq war veterans, Geoff Millard and Hart Viges from Iraq Veterans Against the War will travel with IHNʼs Haider Al Saedy to Iraq. They will work together to distribute our next shipment of humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people. Watch a short documentary of our efforts in Iraq and help support this next shipment.
7–8:30PM | Lottie’s Pub 1925 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60622-1038
Nov 5 | Openings: Portraits of American Veterans: a continuing Dialogue
Oil paintings of 15 veterans by Jeanine Hill-Soldner & Veterans Visions: stories & images. Works by veterans from WWII to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan
5:30–9PM | Sage Gallery, Lakeside Legacy Arts Park 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
The rest of the events are listed in the page located throughout the Chicago land area. We look forward to seeing you there.
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