16 inches x 20 inches

Framed photograph

Tina's life has been shaped by her deep sense of service, first as a United States Marine for five years, and later as a supportive spouse throughout her husband Scott’s 24-year career in the Marine Corps and Navy Reserve. As a mother of five and grandmother of four, she has always placed family and community at the heart of her life. Her journey into photography began as a gift—a camera that became a gateway to a newfound passion. Initially unfamiliar with the craft, Tina embraced the challenge, allowing photography to evolve into a means of exploring and capturing the beauty of life’s everyday moments. Whether it’s the serene landscapes of nature, the quiet resilience of veterans, or the love shared within families, Tina’s work reflects a profound connection to the world around her and God’s creation. Tina’s photography is characterized by a deep appreciation for the extraordinary in the ordinary. Tina’s Christian faith is the cornerstone of both her life and her photography. She uses her camera as a tool to reveal the presence of God in the world around her, capturing His light in moments of joy and in the quiet beauty of life’s challenges. From a “Foggy Morning” bathed in sunlight to intimate moments shared between loved ones, her photography bears witness to the divine in everyday life.

18x18

Acrylic on canvas

I served 2 years with the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. After the military I became a NYC fire fighter for 23 years. I always had an interest in art so I started to experiment in pencil drawings, oil and acrylic paintings and found my art work exciting, soothing, and calming.

I try to balance my art by sometimes getting out of my comfort zone, pushing myself to try different styles of art. Little by little, layer by layer, each painting comes together. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming at first, but every small brush, every small step leads me to my next challenge. It helps expand my creativity.

I took my art even more seriously after losing 343 of my firefighter brothers on 911, and dedicated over a dozen painting scenes to those fallen heroes. I wanted the viewers to connect to my paintings vicariously, feeling the firefighter’s anguish and his helplessness at the loss of so many lives.

One of my paintings, “Parade of Heroes,” made the cover of the September 2010 Connections Magazine, published in Honesdale, PA. It also made the cover of the booklet for the 2011 FDNY 10th Anniversary Memorial Service held at NYC’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.The tragic loss of the 343 firefighters inspired me to paint “The Ultimate Sacrifice.” I have been practicing my art for about 35 years.

13 x 19

High resolution photo printed on metal in a floating frame

As a photographer, my focus is on capturing the rich diversity of human and animal life that surrounds us, and on using my work to promote a connection, understanding, and need for artistic community involvement. I am a fourteen year US Air Force Veteran, and I’m proud to have spent my first 10 years as an enlisted person and 4 years as a commissioned officer.

Whether I am photographing a beloved pet, a human subject, sports, or the natural world, I approach each shoot with a deep sense of curiosity and empathy. Through my lens, I strive to capture the unique personality and character of each subject, and to create images that convey the depth and richness of our shared human experience. My art is influenced by the lessons about customer service, community service, and servant leadership that I learned in the Air Force.

As an artist, I seek to push the boundaries of traditional photographic techniques to create images that are visually striking and intellectually engaging. Through continued learning, innovation, and a willingness to take risks, I strive to create images that challenge assumptions about the world and that inspire us to see people or objects in a different light. Photography allows me to be free with my expression, and it provides me a creative and technical outlet.

Ultimately, my goal as a photographer is to create images that celebrate the diversity and richness of life, and that encourage us to engage more deeply with the world around us.

11 inches x 14 inches

Photography

Lobster Buoys in Cape Ann, MA

I served 4 years in the USAF, 2 in Charleston, SC and 2 in Washington, DC. I got my first DLSR camera while serving in Washington, DC. I’ve always liked taking pictures but really learned how to do it well when digital cameras came out. I love shooting nature, people, landscapes.

Poetry

Poetry came with me during my service. Poetry helps me continue and connect with fellow veterans. I served in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Audio + Album cover

Jason Criss Howk is an award-winning writer, painter, and photographer. After 23 years in the US Army and Intelligence Community he ventured into artistic pursuits to help himself and others heal from the traumas of war and military service. He is also a songwriter and musician focused on suicide prevention and helping Afghans.

10 inches x 8 inches

Clay

My inspiration comes from my garden and the life that is within the plants, flowers, and mother nature. I served three years of active duty as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force nurse corps.. After the military, I worked as a civilian nurse. I started losing my eyesight in my right eye and could not continue my nursing career. I connected with the Blind Rehab center at the VA and ultimately took a clay workshop with The Joel Fund. Making works of clay, helps me stay in the present moment. Each leaf is a pepper leaf that I traced and painted roses on.

Colored pencil on watercolor

When I was in kindergarten one of my report cards said “Bernardine loves art” I dabbled over the years but never had a lot of time to develop my talent until I retired. I served in the U.S. Navy and Air National Guard as a tactical flight nurse and deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Storm. Working in three intense careers as an ER nurse, Los Angeles Police officer and tactical flight nurse took a toll on my mental well being. I took a class in watercolor after I retired. I then expanded my art space by creating with acrylics, colored pencil, zentangle, and mixed media. Art is one vehicle for healing from PTSD. It is a space of solitude where I can tune out, unwind, and create.

21.5 inches x 25.5 inches

Acrylic Paint on Canvas

As a believer in Jesus Christ and a Veteran of the USAF, now a proud Grandmother I'm Grateful and Privileged to share my experiences and continue to serve in the hopes of encouraging others.

8.5 inches x 11 inches

Photography

I served 7-1/2 yrs on active duty, including Desert Shield & Storm, in Services & MWR. My 1st week on the job I found out that included Mortuary Affairs, & later search & recovery. In my art I look for candid shots, signs of life/living, details, expressions. I choose animals mainly because they generally show true expression, not posed.

12”x12”

Colored pencil

I've been doing art since long before joining the Army in 1978, and have recently started back to making art after doing nothing for quite a few years. My art is often either about memories, wishes or concerns. This picture was drawn from a photo of my previous dog, Shiloh, shortly before he passed, being comforted by one of my cats who was very bonded to him. Adina was especially attentive to him while he was ill.

6 inches x 4 inches

Pottery

My inspiration for this piece was just to create. My 10 years in the U. S. Army, showed me there is a lot of disfigurement in the world. Animals can be challenging because they have disfigured bodies like humans but we are all part of this great creation.

18 inches x 24 inches

Photography with digital manipulation

I served in the USAF for 8 years. I started working in photography soon after getting out of the Air Force but it was a grind with no expression. After a while of doing this I stopped and didn't shoot for several years. I later attended a class and several workshops to help me look more creatively at photography. During my time in the service everything was detail and specifics oriented and photography has helped me look at things in a different light and also to try new techniques. I have been shooting pictures as a hobby for around 20 years. The pieces that I'm submitting were inspired by 1) Honoring the people who have served before and after me and 2) a look at myself at the end of my second career.

18 inches × 20 inches

Acrylic paint on canvas

This artwork explores how external distractions and obscure deeper issues of being misled, forgotten, and longing for love and invites viewers to  reflect on the impact of societal influences on our emotional truths, urging a return to authentic connections and self awareness.

18 x 24

Mixed media, ceramic, metal and cold finish

3D figurative sculpture

I work in mixed media, primarily combining ceramic and metal. Each piece that I create contains my dreams, questions, and spirit. I served in the U.S. Army.

Leather and metallic paint

I am SFC Carl Childs a 20 year veteran retired from the US Army. My Art work connects me to several communities across the nation and demonstrate a Warrior Ethos. My work promotes teamwork and healing from Daycare to Senior Citizen Art Therapy. As a Master Leather smith and Fine Artist, my leather work speaks of dedication, strength, integrity, defense of the innocent and quality leadership. I am a multi-media high production artist and have displayed in several galleries, museums, schools and libraries. I have been blessed to create in the following mediums: Leather, Metal, Semi-precious stones, Ceramic, Wood, Digital and Chocolate. I have been creating wonderful work since Kindergarten. The inspiration behind my work is to be a Warrior of Excellence in battle, health, teaching, kindness, compassion and leadership. Legion Commander’s Sun Helm is a physical armor that connects and reminds us of the Spiritual Armor and Spiritual Warfare in

Ephesians 6:10-18. Love Lights Up Your Heart is a work that explores the inner universe and the role energy and light plays in our life.

14 x 16

Photography

Marianeth is a multidisciplinary creative whose journey began in the maker’s space, where she first honed her skills in handcrafting before expanding into digital arts. Drawing from her experiences and travels across 26 countries, she views the world through diverse perspectives, enriching her human-centered approach to the creative process. This global outlook fuels her passion for curating meaningful experiences.

Her deep love for the creative process, coupled with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by creators, inspired her to establish STUDIO MAHRI. Through this endeavor, she empowers businesses and organizations by bringing their visions to life with authentic design and impactful solutions.

Her latest personal series, “Return to the Homeland,” is a poignant black-and-white photographic journey documenting her return to her birthplace, the Philippines. Each photograph is paired with a written excerpt, capturing the sensory experience of rediscovering her roots and navigating generational memories, while honoring her heritage through her personal lens.

Poetry

I served as a combat medic in Iraq.  I came home with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. 

He got involved with TJF finding art and writing to be a path to healing.

16 inches by 20 inches

Color photography

As a photographer and former Air Force service member, I’ve always found solace and freedom in art. It allows my mind to soar, much like the skies I once navigated. Photography, in particular, has become my way of connecting with the world—no filters, no touch-ups, just the raw beauty of life, captured in the moment.

For almost 30 years, I’ve dedicated myself to documenting the beauty I see around me. Whether it’s the vibrant life of a bumblebee in my garden or a sudden burst of color in an unexpected landscape, I am drawn to the details that often go unnoticed. Recently, while visiting Las Vegas, I was captivated by the stark contrast between its arid environment and the lush greenery of my home in North Carolina. I couldn’t resist photographing the bold, resilient plants that stood out in the desert.

Each image I take is an honest moment in time—a glimpse into my love for nature and its intricate details. From birds to bugs, bees to flowers, I aim to capture the fleeting beauty that surrounds us every day, preserving it in a way that invites others to share in the experience.

8 inches x 10 inches

Acrylic on canvas

I spent over 5 years in the Active-Duty Navy. I have only been practicing art for less than a year. After getting out I found painting peaceful and a great escape from reality. I can express things as simply as I did with this painting. This painting is nowhere near perfect however, it represents and stands for all the Corpsman, SARCS, and SOIDCs that have spent time forward deployed with the Marine Raiders.

17.5 inches x 21.5 inches

Oil on canvas

I served eight years in the Marine Corps. I’ve always considered myself crafty or creative growing up, but after some hardships in high school I stopped creating unless it was for work. I was reintroduced to art and painting through on base sip & paint events while stationed in Japan. Leaving active duty in 2023 left me with more free time than I could fathom. Which also meant I spent more time anxious trying to decide what I wanted to do as a hobby again.

In 2024, I began to study impressionist oil painting at Connie Logan’s studio in Greensboro. The inspiration to keep creating is also reflected in my newly added minor in Art as I continue pursuing my undergraduate degree in Marketing at University of Maryland Global Campus. I want to capture the feelings I have in my work.

“Life is like” —As I flipped through the pages of a magazine, this assortment of chocolate boxes caught my eye. I was inspired to get my own chocolates to lift from the canvas. With all the textures, you can also see this is the longest drying painting I’ve made.

11 inches x 14 inches

Charcoal on paper

I am an Army veteran who is currently set to get my bachelors in visual arts and love to work with all sorts of mediums and imagery that means most to me.

16 inches x 20 inches

Oil on linen

I was born at Whiteman Air Force Base near Warrensburg, Missouri, in January 1960, and after a short time in Warrensburg and Roswell, New Mexico, was raised predominantly in the North Kansas City area. I earned a BFA in commercial art from the University of Central Missouri (formerly CMSU) and a private pilot’s license. After college, I joined the Air Force and served as an instructor pilot, assistant flight commander and class commander in T-38s at Reese AFB in Lubbock, TX. Following this assignment I was an aircraft commander and wing plans officer in C-130Es at Pope AFB in Fayetteville, NC, before returning to art. During my years in the military I did very little with art.

Following the Air Force I was self-employed in my own art business and received excellent instruction, learning nearly everything I know from master artist Robert Way in Pinehurst. Early during this time frame I honed my art skills through intensive personal art production. Services I offered through my business include art classes, workshops, private lessons, and commissions and prints of my art. In addition to the other parts of my business I also created a large collection of my paintings documenting aviation history in art.

In March 2020 I embarked on a new chapter in my professional art career becoming one of two full-time staff artists for the Naval History and Heritage Command, based at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. To date I have accomplished 73 paintings in the Navy Art Collection.

11"x14"

Photography

I served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 25 years with deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004 and Operation New Dawn in 2010-2011. Art has been therapeutic for my mental health. Photography allows me to set aside the baggage experienced through war and gives me confidence to explore my surroundings through my camera. I have been practicing photography for over two years. The idea of practicing mindfulness inspired me to create these pieces of art. I was actively able to stop and notice my surroundings as I go through the day.

12 inches x 20 inches

Oil on canvas

I have always loved art and find it to be one of the purest ways to express myself.

Written story with video: watch HERE

My name is Gail Ashby Bryant. I am a Proud Veteran of the US Army. I went in as a cook and came out as a Chef (according to my DD 214). I am a Native New Yorker. I retired from 30 years as a Social Worker to beautiful NC in 2012. My first love is writing. Thanks to my teacher and muse June Guralnick I was able to join with my other Veteran Sisters and Brothers. My deep gratitude goes to the Joel Fund and the fabulous, hardworking Isabella Brezenski for providing the inspiration and venue to showcase our Art. Peace and Love, Gail