A public art display in downtown San Antonio, Texas, is giving voices to the recovery stories of warriors battling addiction, PTSD and the invisible wounds of service.
The Warriors HeArt Art Gallery can be seen at Grunt Style HQ through Veterans Day. The display features 60 recovery stories, 22 silhouettes and audio recordings. The artwork was created by warriors who have completed Warriors Heart’s specialized 42-day inpatient treatment program.
Each piece includes a QR code linking to audio recordings of the varriors’ personal recovery stories with the meaning behind these creations.
For Gold Star Mother and Warriors Heart Clinical Consultant Annette T. Hill, the display is deeply personal. Hill’s son, Adam, served two tours in Iraq and lost his battle to suicide after returning home.
“One of these silhouettes happens to be my son,” she said. “This is Adam. And to come here today and see the power of not just this piece, but all the pieces here, it keeps alive what happens for people when they finally give a voice through their hands through the pain through the many mediums here with things we can’t get out of them maybe clinically, talk therapies and everything we do.”
Warriors Heart Executive Director Christina Moreno said the display proves that art therapy can be a powerful step toward healing the mind, body and spirit.
“Each piece reflects a personal story of service, struggle, and recovery, along with hope that transformations can happen through art therapy,” she said.
Grunt Style Co-Owner/Chief Brand Officer and Marine Corps veteran Tim Jensen said the exhibit shares the often hidden result of war.
“Our brand exists to celebrate the freedom that our parents have provided however we also understand that there is a cost to freedom that must never be overlooked,” he said. “And those stories must be shared."
Art therapy is an integral part of Warriors Heart’s recovery program, where clients work closely with the clinical team to use creative expression as a way to process emotions, confront trauma, and support their healing journey.
Among the artworks is “Forged in Fire,” created by Marine Corps veteran Kerry K.
“All Marines become born again when they’re tested by fire in combat. I hadn’t touched a brush since junior high and now I’ve found something productive, not destructive.”
The artwork will be available for auction beginning Oct. 22 through the gunbroker auction site. All proceeds will go to Irreverent Warriors and Warriors Heart. Closer to the auction going live, the exact link will be announced by Grunt Style, Irreverent Warriors, Warriors Heart's social media and other avenues.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.