Using storytelling and art, EVAC bridges the gap between civilians and veterans by educating the public about life in the military.
Korean War Veteran, Ken Talking with community about his experiences and the artwork created by Akemi Ohira from his story. Photo by Selina Slaughter
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About EVAC
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Experiencing Veterans and Artists Collaborations (EVAC) is an art project that brings together veterans and artists. EVAC curators interviewed veterans about their experiences, and artists made an edition of prints based on their interpretation of those stories. The prints are exhibited with excerpts from the transcribed interviews. EVAC works to bridge the often precarious gap between military and civilian life. |
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Veterans
Participating veterans included service from World War II through the Post 9/11 period, and all five branches of the military. Veterans told their stories once, but the experience spreads through time and space because of EVAC’s exhibitions.
Participating veterans included service from World War II through the Post 9/11 period, and all five branches of the military. Veterans told their stories once, but the experience spreads through time and space because of EVAC’s exhibitions.
“I hope that each participant was struck by the sense of being a part of something much larger than themselves; not unlike the feeling we experienced in the military, and particularly in combat.” |
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Artists
Participating artists are professionals from 23 states and 1 country outside of the US. They used a variety of printmaking techniques, including etching, seriography, relief, engraving, mezzotint and more.
Participating artists are professionals from 23 states and 1 country outside of the US. They used a variety of printmaking techniques, including etching, seriography, relief, engraving, mezzotint and more.
“There were moments when I was sad, proud, frustrated, and ultimately on edge trying to figure out how to proceed. In the end, I focused on the human aspect and connection to family through narrative.” |
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Viewers
Viewers see the stories and the images side by side. The EVAC format suggests multiple interpretations of oral histories and visual imagery, as well as the power of storytelling.
Viewers see the stories and the images side by side. The EVAC format suggests multiple interpretations of oral histories and visual imagery, as well as the power of storytelling.
“[It] created a response of panic for me. I like that the story and artwork created that response, because it creates a sense of reality for the people who didn't experience the war firsthand.” |
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EVAC gives glimpses into real people’s lived experiences. It creates an environment for a viewer that invites genuine understanding and engagement. The process of storytelling and interpretation central to EVAC makes it a project uniquely positioned to promote empathy from multiple groups – the artist and viewer for the veteran’s experience, and the veteran for the artist’s realization of their stories. While primarily a traveling exhibition, EVAC has several additional projects in its portfolio: educational programs, a study on the impact, and developing community through events such as panel discussions with veterans and artists.
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EVAC has exhibited at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gallery at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, the Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, and at Reagan National Airport.
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Planned exhibitions in 2018 and 2019 include eleven sites in Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Kansas and the District of Columbia.
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EVAC needs to raise money to meet the costs of the current exhibition schedule, continue to recruit and interview veterans, enlist artists, and build a base for the future. Costs include framing and shipping the art for exhibitions, framing art for the veteran storytellers, and the capital costs of improved audio equipment. EVAC Project Inc is a 501 (c ) 3 organization.
EVAC Project Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) Organization