New Exhibit at WCU Features Never-Before-Seen Work from Marine Corps Combat Artists

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Image via West Chester University.

Just in time for Veterans Day, a new exhibit at West Chester University unveils some never-before-seen art from Marine Corps combat artists. “The Art of War: To Report, Remember, and Reconcile” recently opened in the Knauer Gallery, located at 817 South High Street.

The public is invited to an opening night reception on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 4-7 p.m. The exhibit runs through Jan. 3.

“The Art of War” showcases about 30 works of art from the Marine Corps Combat Art Program, which was founded in 1942 and continues today. The program is managed by the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., where more than 9,000 works of art created by 350 combat artists are maintained. The program’s mission is to keep Americans informed about what the Marines are doing at home and overseas through art.

The exhibit is a collaboration between WCU’s Art + Design and History departments. History Professor Robert Kodosky and Associate Professor of Art Kristopher Benedict traveled to Quantico, Va., and chose the works on display.

“The warehouse in Virginia is filled with paintings,” said Kodosky. “There was so much work to choose from, but we ultimately chose the paintings that showed the humanity of war and the diversity of each veteran’s experience.”

Several special events and lectures are planned throughout the exhibit’s run to engage both the veteran and civilian communities:

  • Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) at 4 PM: Short ceremony and flag presentation to the WCU Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center.
  • Nov. 14 from 4-7 PM: Opening night reception
  • Nov. 20 at 6 PM: Meet & Greet with local combat artist Mike Fay, whose work will also be on display. He will give a lecture in the same building’s Ware Recital Hall at 7 PM.

Gallery hours for “The Art of War” are Monday through Friday, 9 AM-4 PM and by appointment. For appointments, e-mail rkodosky@wcupa.edu.

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