Since September 11, 2001, The United States has been involved in two wars. 2.5 million American soldiers have or are serving in these wars, yet a large portion of our society is unaware of the effects war has had on these service members and their families. Space One Eleven will exhibit an installation of artworks by artist Larry Thompson titled, The Infanttree Project, which is his response to America’s insulation from the carnages of war. As an artist, Associate Dean and Professor at the private liberal arts institution, Samford University, Thompson has long encountered students who are disconnected from our current wars. This disconnect is not contained to university students, but extends to the rest of the country and may be attributed to the lack of coverage by news media. In the news today, more attention is often given to who was voted off a reality television show than to the humans that died on a given day as a result of war.

Space One Eleven will also exhibit select works from Reflections of Generosity. Organized by artist and retired (Sergeant) Ron Kelsey, the exhibition is a collection of art made by soldiers that allowed them to express their feelings in a safe and meaningful way while dealing with grief, loss, post-traumatic stress and the transition back to life as a civilian. Kelsey’s exhibiiton opening will coincide with the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, an event that he witnessed and that prompted him to choose the Army as his career.

During a weeklong residency at Space One Eleven, Kelsey will hold art and writing workshops for soldiers and veterans as part of the Reflections of Generosity project. No previous art or writing experinece is necessary. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to integrate their resulting work into the exhibition. For more information about the workshops please contact CherylLewis@spaceoneeleven.com.

Windows installations are by Mary Ann Sampson, Larry Thompson, and Michael Williams.