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On Nov. 13, APSU to exhibit art by veterans, military personnel

          CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – John Edmondson Jr. served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that his favorite film is the 1965 naval war movie “In Harm’s Way.” What does surprise people is that Edmondson is a gifted artist, and now that he is retired, he’s harnessing that talent as a student in the Austin Peay State University Department of Art. One of his recent works is a painting of John Wayne, dressed as Captain Rockwell Torrey, from “In Harm’s Way.”

            From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 13, Edmondson’s artwork will be on display as part of a special exhibit, “Showcasing Our Veterans,” in the APSU Morgan University Center lobby. The event, which will feature works of art by APSU students and faculty who have served in the military, is sponsored by the University’s VetSuccess on Campus program.

            “I’m excited about the exhibit,” Edmondson said. “I’ve always enjoyed artistic things. I took art all through high school, and I’ve always enjoyed making things with my hands.”

            The University’s VetSuccess on Campus program began last fall, thanks to a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and APSU, to assist veterans, military personnel and their family members in achieving their educational and employment goals. The “Showcasing our Veterans” exhibit is geared toward raising awareness of VetSuccess and other APSU services that meet the needs of veterans, active duty military and family members, while also helping the community see another side of servicemen and women.

            “We wanted to display these works of art showing the creative side of our veterans,” Tim Schoonover, VetSuccess counselor, said. “They’re people beyond being service members. They’re also human beings with a lot of aspects to themselves.”

            For more information, contact the Schoonover at 931-221-6194.