The National Veterans Art Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of art inspired by combat and created by veterans. Our new space at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue opened on Veterans Day, November 1, 2012.
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In 1981, a few Vietnam combat veterans put together an artistic and historical collection that would become a timeless, humanistic statement of war on behalf of all veterans for future generations. The Vietnam Veterans Art Group formed in Chicago in 1981. One year later, the group mounted its first exhibit of veteran artwork entitled “Reflexes and Reflections.” The exhibit toured museums and galleries nationwide. The overwhelming emotional response to the work, along with an increasing amount of contributions by artists, led to the official establishment of a permanent museum. Upon viewing the collection, Mayor Richard Daley was so personally moved that he allocated a permanent building to house the collection. The National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum opened its doors at the original location at 1801 S. Indiana Avenue in 1996. Since 2003, the museum has broadened its mission to include art by veterans of all wars. In 2010, the word Vietnam was dropped the from and we became the National Veterans Art Museum (NVAM). Today, the NVAM houses more than 2,500 works of art, including paintings, photography, sculpture, poetry and music. All works in the Museum’s permanent collection were created by more than 255 artists who are veterans of American conflicts. The artwork showcased at the museum provide unique viewpoint on the controversial subject of war to all. It is a tenuous and reflective balance of beauty and horror, giving unique insight into the psyche of combat veterans and consequential hindsight war leaves on its survivors. Opening on Veterans Day, November 11, 2012, the museum recently relocated from its original location to its new home in center of the historical Portage Park neighborhood of the city of Chicago. National Veterans Art Museum 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Second Floor Chicago, Illinois 60641
Mission: The National Veterans Art Museum inspires greater understanding of the real impact of war with a focus on Vietnam and recent wars. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits art inspired by combat and created by veterans.
From the NVAM Staff and Board we would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. We would still love to see you in 2019! Check the website for holiday hours and come visit NVAM!
Photo by László Kondor - NVAM Permanent Collection
Title: CO Christmas Party, LZ Center
Chicago Magazine features NVAM's current exhibit, Maurice Costello: Back to "the NAM" as one of the 10 best exhibitions to see this winter. It's a must see!
https://www.chicagohotels.org/magazine/winter-exhibitions-chicago/
Chicago is home to several cultural venues that host a diverse programme of exhibitions throughout the year that span a wide number of themes and genres. The Windy City attracts some of America’s finest artists for whom Chicago provides plenty of inspiration for their creative output. For visitors...
There is still time! Show your support today! #GivingTuesday
Make a difference this #GivingTuesday through your support of the National Veterans Art Museum. The National Veterans Art Museum brings veterans and civilians together in a way that few places can. Our programs, workshops, and exhibitions give us all an opportunity to learn what it means to be civically engaged and how we wish to serve those who have served.
Your gift helps to maintain a unique and invaluable space, to engage in civic discourse, artistic expression, and reverent reflection.
Thank you for your support of the National Veterans Art Museum this #GivingTuesday!
https://nvam.networkforgood.com/projects/85001-annual-appeal-2019
Support the NVAM's mission to collect, preserve, and exhibit Veteran Fine Art! The Veteran story is one that only a Veteran can experience, and we as members of society have a responsibility to strive to better understand. Your support will directly impact NVAM’s mission to be the bridge that shar...
It's #GivingTuesday!
Make a difference this #GivingTuesday through your support of the National Veterans Art Museum. The National Veterans Art Museum brings veterans and civilians together in a way that few places can. Our programs, workshops, and exhibitions give us all an opportunity to learn what it means to be civically engaged and how we wish to serve those who have served.
Your gift helps to maintain a unique and invaluable space, to engage in civic discourse, artistic expression, and reverent reflection.
Thank you for your support of the National Veterans Art Museum this #GivingTuesday! Click here to give!
https://nvam.networkforgood.com/projects/85001-annual-appeal-2019
Support the NVAM's mission to collect, preserve, and exhibit Veteran Fine Art! The Veteran story is one that only a Veteran can experience, and we as members of society have a responsibility to strive to better understand. Your support will directly impact NVAM’s mission to be the bridge that shar...
As you enjoy the post-Thanksgiving glow and are making your online shopping lists, consider making your money go further by supporting the National Veterans Art Museum through AmazonSmile! Amazon donates a portion of the purchase price directly to NVAM when you choose the National Veterans Art Museum as your charitable organization!
After choosing the National Veterans Art Museum as your charitable organization, we recommend bookmarking smile.amazon.com for every time you shop online!
Follow the link for easy set-up, and and share to your friends! bit.ly/NVAMsmile
The National Veterans Art Museum would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. The museum will be closed on Thursday November 28th and Friday November 29th. We will reopen for regular hours (10AM-5PM) Saturday November 30th. In recognition of the holiday, here is a photograph from permanent collection artist László Kondor called "Field Service, Thanksgiving Day" taken in Vietnam.
Make a difference today!
The National Veterans Art Museum's Annual Appeal is happening now! Please consider supporting the NVAM mission directly by clicking the following link. https://nvam.networkforgood.com/projects/85001-annual-appeal-2019
The National Veterans Art Museum's Annual Appeal is happening now! Please consider supporting the NVAM mission directly by clicking the following link. https://nvam.networkforgood.com/projects/85001-annual-appeal-2019
Maurice welcoming our veteran visitors. Thank you all for your service!
Maurice Costello engaging with NVAM guests at NVAM today!
Many thanks to Six Corners local businesses Fannies Cafe and City News for their kind donations!
NVAM is open until 4:00PM today! Come honor our veterans with us. Learn about our current exhibition: Back to “the NAM” from the artist himself, Maurice Costello! There will be a poppy making workshop starting at 1:00 as well as coffee and pastries to keep warm!
NVAM is open tomorrow for Veterans Day! Special Monday hours from 11:00-4:00. Tours, Poppy making workshop, coffee and pastries. Join us!
Winter is well over a month away, but Monday's forecast would make it seem like it's already here! Warm up at NVAM during our special Veterans Day hours, Monday from 11-4. Enjoy some free coffee and pastries and learn about Maurice Costello's "Back to 'the Nam'" from Maurice himself! He'll be giving tours at 11:00 and 2:00! Show your support for Veterans at NVAM!!! Go to www.nvam.org for this and other upcoming events!
Veteran Art NVAM is dedicated to presenting veteran-created art inspired by combat and military service. The art in our collection is primarily from U.S.-based artists but includes works from artists...
Monday November 11, 2019, the National Veterans Art Museum will be open for special hours. View our upcoming events at www.nvam.org to make plans to spend part of your Veterans Day with Veterans at NVAM! Maurice Costello will be here to provide tours and discussions of his amazing exhibit Back to "The Nam"!
Join the NVAM Associate Board for a meet and greet at Alarmist Brewing and Taproom! Learn about NVAM and the important work done on behalf of Veterans and Veteran art. Engage with the amazing Associate Board, raise a few dollars to support the mission, and learn how you can connect with NVAM!
Veteran artist Maurice Costello's iconic "Autobiography" series is complete with the final piece in place. See the full series, and Maurice Costello's powerful solo exhibition "Back to the 'Nam'" at the National Veterans Art Museum on exhibition now!
THIS WEEKEND - EXTENDED HOURS
Saturday October 19 | 10:00AM-5:00PM
Sunday October 20 | 10:00AM-5:00PM
The National Veterans Art Museum welcomes Open House Chicago visitors to see the International-Style building featuring 50-foot-wide column-free interiors or our home of the Portage Lofts Arts Center.
NVAM CONNECT - LOCATION CHANGE! Due to circumstances beyond NVAM's control, the location of the event has been moved to the museum at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Now you will be able to connect with the Associate Board, staff, artists while among the amazing art of the National Veterans Art Museum! Great food and drinks will still be provided!!
NVAM CONNECT - LOCATION CHANGE! Due to circumstances beyond NVAM's control, the location of the event has been moved to the museum at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Now you will be able to connect with the Associate Board, staff, artists while among the amazing art of the National Veterans Art Museum! Great food and drinks will still be provided!!
Connect with NVAM tomorrow!!! Alarmist Brewing and Taproom, 4055 W. Peterson Avenue. Purchase tickets at www.nvam.org, or at the door. NVAM CONNECT! Sponsored by the NVAM Associate Board.
Join the NVAM Associate Board for "NVAM Connect", a meet and greet with Associate Board members and veterans artists. Connect with great people, connect with great art... connect with a great mission! October 10th, 6:00PM-9:00PM, Alarmist Brewing and Taproom 4055 W. Peterson Ave, Chicago!
Job opportunity! Check out www.nvam.org/about for the Collection and Gallery Coordinator position.
Thank you Kari Williams from VFW Magazine for highlighting NVAM's current exhibition, “Maurice Costello: Back to the Nam” as part of the discussion on veterans using art to tell their stories in the September 2019 Issue. See the article below and visit NVAM to see the show!
http://digitaledition.qwinc.com/publication/?i=605238&ver=html5&p=34
WARRIORS ‘EXPRESS THEIR STORY’ Veterans use art as a way to explain what they witnessed or experienced during combat deployments. It is a passion and a form of therapy, they say. BY KARI WILLIAMS PHOTO COURTESY OF MAURICE COSTELLO Vietnam War veteran Maurice Costello created this piece, “First...
Thank you Third Coast Review for the wonderful and insightful review of our newest exhibit, "Maurice Costello: Back to 'The Nam'"!
See Costello's journey first-hand at 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. 2nd floor Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The latest exhibition at the National Veterans Art Museum — Maurice Costello: Back to “The Nam” — tells the story of Maurice Costello’s experience while serving in the Vietnam War and his …
A big "Thank You" to our partner Bank of America for sponsoring our upcoming exhibit season. We're so proud to continue working with Bank of America to share the importance and impact of veteran art. @BankofAmerica
#BofAGrants #BofACHI #EconomicMobility
Today's the day! Join us at NVAM for the opening of "Maurice Costello: Back to 'The Nam'" from 4-7PM. Come witness Costello's 50-year journey from the beginning of his tour in Vietnam through today.
Also on view: Selections from the over 2,500 artworks in the NVAM permanent collection.
We'll see you tonight!
National Veterans Art Museum's cover photo
This Saturday at the opening of "Maurice Costello: Back to 'The Nam'" we'll unveil Costello's final piece in his series "Autobiography". Don't miss it!
POWERFUL RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION OPENS ON AUG. 17th AT THE NATIONAL VETERANS ART MUSEUM:
Maurice Costello: Back to "The Nam"
The works featured in Back to "The NAM” depict personal recollections and sometimes haunting images that lay bare the emotions that have never before been shared by this aging combatant and provide a deeper introspection into the horror that is war. This collection of Costello’s work provides a vivid representation of the evolution and breadth of his approach to art and life.
Costello recently returned to Vietnam with his wife and found that the experience was especially enlightening. The stark contrast between the early memories that inspired this exhibition and the understanding of the healing that can take place on both sides with the passing of time have served to bring about a final reconciliation, recognition, and peaceful closure to that which was “The NAM”.
Maurice Costello: Back to “The NAM” will be on display at the National Veterans Art Museum from August 17, 2019 through January 25, 2020.
TAKE A SNEAK PEEK AT NVAM'S NEXT BIG SHOW:
Maurice Costello: Back to "The NAM"
Opening at the National Veterans Art Museum on August 17th, this retrospective visually recounts 50 years of the memories and recollections of Vietnam Veteran Maurice Costello.
After nearly three decades of civilian life and repression of his past experiences in Vietnam, Costello began to allow these recollections and reflections to reemerge through his art practice. Eventually the exploration of his memories resulted in his first installation related to his military experience titled “Autobiography,” a prized part of the NVAM collection since 2009.
Back to "The Nam" will feature the “Autobiography” series, including a brand new and final portrait of the artist, along with Costello’s entire collection of artworks related to his memories of Vietnam and post-military life.
So mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details about the opening night festivities!
The National Veterans Art Museum is located at 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue, in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood.
58,307 INDIVIDUALS WENT "ABOVE AND BEYOND" WHILE SERVING IN THE VIETNAM WAR.
Honor their memory today with a visit to this awe-inspiring memorial ceiling installation of individually hand pressed dog tags commissioned by the National Veterans Art Museum in 1999. Now on display at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State Street, in downtown Chicago.
National Veterans Art Museum's cover photo
NVAM WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT FROM OUR PERMANENT COLLECTION:
Dale Samuelson
Born: Chicago, Illinois, 1949
Served in Vietnam, U.S. Marine Corps
2d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division
An Hoa and Da Nang
Rifleman, 1969-70
From the Artist:
From a letter, 1984:
"Came into Da Nang and flight was delayed in landing because of rocket attacks, finally landed, stayed the night. Following day took off for An Hoa, nineteen miles southwest, spent two days in the rear filling sandbags, standing watch at night, put up barbed wire, filled more sandbags, stood watch at night, fell in the red mud, got in a firefight with a rat who stole my apple and baloney sandwich, next day moved out to Liberty Bridge with small patrol.
It took about a day and a half to get there (four or five miles) because the point men kept tripping wires and setting off booby traps (had to spend most of the time waiting for Medevacs); finally got to the bridge and joined my wonderful squad."
Explore more of the artwork and stories of veteran artists in the National Veterans Art Museum's permanent collection, now online at http://collection.nvam.org
"WHAT ART RESONATES MOST WITH YOU?"
The National Veterans Art Museum's inaugural Triennial is almost over. Before it ends, we hope you will visit our viewer feed back room on the 2nd floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, and fill out a response card about the veteran art you have seen.
Choose from a variety of question cards and contribute your answers to the collection on the wall rack. Read the fascinating responses of other viewers!
The Triennial exhibitions at NVAM's Cultural Center venue close on July 28th, so don't delay. And thank you in advance for your response!
MAKE THIS AFTERNOON COUNT:
Join NVAM at the Chicago Cultural Center, from noon to 4PM,
for the Quilts of Valor monthly Sew-In!
Take a break from the heat while helping to create beautiful quilts for appreciative vets and active duty personnel.
No sewing experience necessary!
Volunteers can find us in the CCC's Learning Lab, located on the first floor south. Sewing material, patterns, and supplies provided but you are welcome to bring your own.
The Chicago Cultural Center is located at 78 E. Washington Street, in downtown Chicago.
THESE ARE THE FINAL DAYS TO EXPERIENCE NVAM'S FIRST-EVER TRIENNIAL EXHIBITION OF VETERAN ARTWORK–DON'T MISS OUT!
We hope you will make time to visit some–or all–of these six powerful exhibitions before they close:
"Open/Closed," last day July 27th at the National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Four exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, last day July 28th, 78 W. Washington St.
"The Bald Eagle's Toupee," last day August 11th at the DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. Fullerton Ave.
For more information on the exhibitions and venues visit:
https://www.nvam.org/triennial
WE NEED YOU AT THE CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER THIS SATURDAY FOR A QUILTS OF VALOR SEW-IN!
In honor of the National Veterans Art Museum's first-ever Triennial of veteran artwork, we will host our monthly QOV sewing event at the Chicago Cultural Center(CCC) this Saturday, July 20th, from noon until 4:00P.M.
Find us in the CCC Learning Lab located on the first floor south. If you can, please bring sewing machine, rulers, cutting mat, cutting tools. There will be patterns and fabric available, but feel free to bring a pattern and fabric you have in mind. No sewing experience necessary! All sewing skill levels appreciated! We always need people to help iron, sew, cut, layout squares for assembly.
Join us in helping to make beautiful quilts for appreciative veterans and active duty service members this Saturday!
The Chicago Cultural Center is located at 78 E. Washington Street, in downtown Chicago.
WEDNESDAY FEATURED ARTIST FROM THE NVAM PERMANENT COLLECTION: JAY BURTON HELLWEGE
Jay Burton Hellwege served in the U.S. Army, Artillery, during the Vietnam War.
"The three stripes represent North, Central and South Vietnam. The life of this flag was short lived through the terrible days of the Vietnam War until it was surrendered on April 30, 1975 and abolished by the North Vietnamese.
This painting is based on the Republic of Vietnam flag design. In the red paint you may see burning tree lines, exploding napalm, reflections of combat on the water of rivers or rice paddies, or blurred puddles of human blood spilt by the incredible number of victims of that war."
Experience more powerful artwork by veteran artists in the National Veterans Art Museum's permanent collection!
Available online at: http://collection.nvam.org
4041 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL
60641
Take the Blue or Red Line "L" to Irving Park. Take CTA bus number 80 (Irving Park) toward Cumberland (west). Get off at Irving Park / Cicero / Milwaukee and walk one block northeast to 4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
Admission is free
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
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A big "Thank You" to Lt. Col Doug Carmichael USAFR Ret., a Bugles Across America volunteer for playing taps today at NVAM's Vietnam War memorial installation, "Above and Beyond". Watch the video or come visit "Above and Beyond" today at Harold Washington Library to contemplate the significance and meaning of this Memorial Day weekend.
NVAM Executive Director Brendan Foster kicks off the first ever Triennial and Veteran Art Summit tonight at NVAM. Then Warrior Writers take the mic!
Snow day plans tonight? Get in a bidding war on NVAM’s Art Auction and support our NVAM Triennial coming this spring! bit.ly/nvamartauction
NVAM WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THIS SPECIAL TRIBUTE VIDEO TO THE LIFE AND ARTWORK OF ARTIST RICK BARTOW, NOW FEATURED IN OUR CURRENT EXHIBITION, "ORIGINAL WARRIOR." Then come in to see his powerful work, along with the works of 10 other Native American artists that reflect on what it means to be an artist, a US veteran, and a Native American. This video was made by Penelope Phillips in 2017. . Phillips specializes in making documentary videos on indigenous art.
Nell & Jim Band LIVE!
Nell & Jim Band LIVE!
Executive Director, Brendan Foster and Curator Larry Johns at the opening reception of The Lost Children of Chon Thanh.
NVAM is happy to be a part of celebrating military and military families at the Chicago Botantic Garden today!
Annual NVAM Memorial Day program
Sister Sue Kilduski sounding Taps at Above and Beyond, NVAM's dog tag memorial exhibition. Veteran Docents and staff are available for this special viewing until 5PM today. #veterans #memorial #memorialday #chicago #taps #honor #remembrance #vetart #aboveandbeyond #vietnam #vietnamveterans
Opening of Artifacts
Select poems read by author Kevin Coval from his book “A People’s History of Chicago”
Kevin Coval reading from his book “A People’s History of Chicago”
Opening Reception remarks at Vietnam-The Defining Moment
Thanks for your patience with the connectivity issues. We want to share this incredibly important discussion with all!
NVAM After Hours: Intersection of Experience Panel
Artist Talk with photographer Mariah Karson and Brent M. Webb, American Legion Post 973 Commander and NVAM Development Associate.
We've been busy getting ready for the opening of our newest exhibit, "Vietnam Transformed: The Art of Richard J. Olsen." Come see for yourself tonight at our public opening event from 6-9PM at NVAM! #art #painting #Vietnam #vetart #veteran #symbolism #installation #museumlife
You can almost hear the "windchime" noise in our #BehindTheScenes #teaser! Here's a #sneakpeek at select dog tags hung for cleaning while we continue to prep all 58,307. Come experience the windchimes as part of the memorial February 20, 2016 at the Harold Washington Library Center! Cleaning 58,307 dog tags is part of our initiative to honor ALL those who went "Above and Beyond." One dollar supports one dog tag. Each tag represents one individual who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. We have 58,307 dog tags representing lives of U.S. servicemen and women lost but not forgotten. Now we’re challenging YOU! How many dog tags are you in for? How many dog tags will you commit to supporting? →http://bit.ly/1mcyluQ #NVAM #AboveAndBeyond #combatinspiredart #art #veterans #Memorial #SaveTheDate #support #tribute #sacrifice
The Joe Bonham Project opens on Monday. Check out our sneak preview! #MemorialDay #sneakpeek #teaser
VetCAT: A Veterans' Creative Arts Therapy Pro
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