CLC Veteran Art Gallery Opening

Located in the Meditation room of the CLC, the exhibit is meant to showcase the talented work of VAPIHCs inpatient Veterans, and to provide a beautiful space for families to visit in. The opening event featured a chance to meet the artists. 

“All my favorite pieces I’ve done have been fish,” said Veteran Daniel Manning. “It reminds me of when I used to go fishing. I was stationed at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, and I used to love to fish at Tarague beach. The last place I went fishing was the Marshall Islands. You should see the fish there.” 

The gallery opening was open to friends and family, and many guests gathered in the Meditation room while Recreation Therapist Karen Halemano gave a talk about the importance of art, and about the specific pieces on display. Finger sandwiches were served, as well as a fruit platter and “mocktails,” which are non-alcoholic “cocktails.”

“One of the things we’re focused on right now is hydration,” said Registered Nurse Teressa Ruggerio. “Mocktails are a fun way to help the guys stay hydrated. It’s important in care centers like ours because good hydration prevents Urinary Tract Infections.” 

Many CLC staff came to help with the set-up of the event, and with setting out the food and “bar” for drinks. Normally, the CLC meditation room is set up like a living room; giving families a place to visit with Veterans that doesn’t feel like a nursing home. However, staff quickly transformed the space to make it a close approximation to any art gallery opening downtown. 

“I do a paint and sip class for the Veterans, and a lot of them think they can’t do it when they see the painting we’re going to do,” said Recreation Therapist Karen Halemano. “I tell them that we’re going to just take it step-by-step, and in the end, they’re amazed at what they can do.” 

The CLC has many activities designed to enrich the Veterans experience. Chaplain Paige Morris hosts a music and movement group. The Recreation therapy has a variety of classes from sports to painting. Additionally, events are frequently held to celebrate holidays or cultural events such as May Day or Chinese New Year. There is a community garden as well, where Veterans grow food and flowers. 

“Creating art is nurturing for the soul,” said Chaplain Paige Morris. “It allows for freedom of self-expression. It can also be a catharsis for healing to take place. I also think it increases a person’s sense of self-worth.” 

Art ignites the imagination, and many Veterans said that they enjoyed creating art that reminded them of some of their favorite things they’d done when they were younger. For others, it was fun to create something to give to their children and grandchildren when they visit. Often, art creates a conversation piece so that they can tell the stories it reminded them of and share treasured memories. 

“I think we all had fun making these things,” said CLC Resident Council President Jesse Sotelo. “It’s also nice to show what we’ve been up to. We want our families to know that we’re doing more than just playing bingo and sleeping. We’re active and keeping busy.” 

The work currently showcased in the gallery includes pieces by Daniel Manning, Louis Mansker, James Morgan, George Robinson, Rudy Dalisay, Jesse Sotelo, John Holloway, and Hideo Kaminaka. However, all Veterans who want to showcase work will be welcomed. It’s not just paintings. Veterans made 3D art out of found objects as well, and Veteran Sotelo put together several 1,000-piece puzzles. 

“I think things like this are important,” said Social Worker Maria “Georgia” Clariza. “Life doesn’t end when you go into a nursing home. Veterans can still create things and do things and have an impact. It’s also part of our cultural transformation here at the CLC. We’re working to make it feel more like a home for the Veterans and their families.”