Artist James Magner ’60

Artist James Magner ’60 started a blog writing venture titled PTSD & Art following the pandemic. James believed there was a strong disconnect and yearning for connection when artists weren’t able to share and show their art during the pandemic. Having written art columns for many years, he figured this was as good a time as any to start this new creative journey. The purpose is simple: to help humans connect and relate to one another through art and collective experiences. Everyone experiences some form of trauma in their lives, but art can be used to reframe your trauma, connect you to God (and each other) and help you move forward. What does James ultimately hope to accomplish with this venture? “I would like to bring the students and graduates of Salpointe, and the rest of the world, together to survive as intelligent, emotional-creative beings,” says Magner. Subscribers currently span 26 states and 11 countries and the platform is growing every day. James credits Salpointe for giving him his first chance to write and publish: he was assigned to the “Teen Citizen” to report on class happenings, was the sports correspondent to the “Citizen” and also wrote for the Salpointe paper and yearbook. James went on to receive a BFA in Art at the University of Arizona and then joined the Army Infantry. After serving in Vietnam, he received a Masters Degree in Special Education, followed by a Doctorate in Education Administration. His Catholic faith has always been important to him and at the forefront of his life, through his time in the military, his education and beyond. He is proud to say he passed those values on to his five children.

In addition to his column and paintings, he has written three novels: A Haunting Beauty: Vietnam Through the Eyes of an Artist, John Dillinger and Geronimo: The War in Skeleton Canyon and The Dead Man on the Corner: A Sky Pirates Adventure . You can sign up for his PTSD & Art newsletter, which goes out twice a month, at https://ptsdart.substack.com/. It is free and easy to subscribe and share! James currently lives in Maryland with his wife, where he spends his time painting and writing.