Art of rememberence

THE VC GALLErY is running a special exhibition of powerful works showcasing local artistic talents’ interpretation of ‘The art of remembrance’.

The service which works with veterans and the wider community giving the opportunity to engage in a variety of art projects.

Organisers at the VC Gallery asked those within the armed forces community to share their stories of action, camaraderie, families left behind, funny stories and everything in between.

‘The art of remembrance’ focuses on veterans’ experiences, which includes powerful pieces of warfare, combat, peace and human spirit.

The art contains pieces from conflicts such as WW1, WW2 and modern-day deployments.

The stories collected will be collated into their art and creative writing workshops and published into a book of poems. The book will be available as part of the organisation’s remembrance tour in locations throughout Pembrokeshire.

The VC Gallery is a registered Charity based in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, whose aim is to help service veterans and those in the wider community by getting them engaged in a variety of art projects.

The VC Gallery was founded by Barry John MBE after his 24 years of service in the Army.

With his artistic background and his involvement in mental health work, he realised the need in the community for his expertise and experiences.

Now the VC Gallery is working with veterans, older people, children, and anyone who feels they need time out to socialise and express themselves through art.

The gallery has identified the need for some veterans to access support to readjust back into civilian life. The Gallery is now a single point of

access welfare and support hub.

This includes a referral service, community social hub and are a registered charity.

At the VC Gallery, art is used as a creative medium for reducing social exclusion and increasing confidence amongst a wide range of people in the local community. The studio and gallery space offer the opportunity for people from all walks of life to express themselves through art. Community members can exhibit their works for members of the public to see and purchase.

Speaking on their website about the Galleries aims, they said: “By running projects and workshops for the community, we aim to engage people of all ages and enhance their personal, social, and educational development.

“Our work is not only limited to veterans; we are open to people with mental or physical disabilities, to both the young and elderly, and to anyone who feels alone, disadvantaged, or isolated. Our projects run all year round and provide the ability to build selfconfidence and new skills.

“We frequently collaborate with schools, community centres, care homes, and youth clubs. Individuals who feel detached from society are catered for by our comforting volunteers, assisting them with everything from mental health to issues with finance and housing.

“Our aims in terms of socialising are simple: the community is everything to us.

“We give to Pembrokeshire, a safe, creative environment for serving, ex-services, and the community. For veterans who may not wish to get involved with the creative process, we aim to have both a hub to use and also a safe place to visit and have a coffee.”

The exhibition is free of charge and available to view at The VC Galleries hub at Bridge Street, Haverfordwest.