Art Exhibit to benefit veterans and Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Friday night, the first Veteran Art Exhibit will debut at Pikes Peak Community College's Studio West Gallery as part of Colorado Springs First Friday Art Walk. The art was made by veterans who take art therapy at the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.

"It’s the ability to connect, express yourself. Here at Mt. Carmel, to be able to do art therapy is just one way to heal for combat veterans mainly and family members and they get the services of our center as they come here to get help if they need it," said Bob McLaughlin, Mt. Carmel's Chief Operating Officer.

The Veteran Art Exhibition features paintings, sculptures, photography, drawings, and mixed media created by veterans, service members, and their families.

"I think it's amazing. One of the things I've noticed is how diverse the art is, and I think that speaks a lot to how important that is as a platform for people to process through art therapy and communication. You know we have everything from sculptures to paintings and there's even a cookbook that someone made over there. I think it just shows that it's not just the end product, it's the making of the product you know it's the making of the piece that is part of the process of healing. That's what makes Mt. Carmel's program so important," said Rowena Sabetta, the gallery director.

The opening reception and silent auction will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The art will displayed until July 23rd.

Former Denver Broncos All-Pro Middle Linebacker Randy Gradishar will be signing autographs.

All the proceeds will benefit the veterans and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center. To bid on the art, people can also visit VetArt.givesmart.com.