Love Armor 10th Anniversary Exhibition

Lifesongs highlights the narratives and creative pieces of elder veterans in collaboration with the Love Armor Project in the Love Armor 10th Anniversary Exhibition opening reception on Friday, September 28th at the Center for Contemporary Arts. Registration is not required for the reception. The exhibition runs through October 7th.

The Love Armor Project is a collaborative project envisioned by Shirley Klinghoffer, facilitated by Shirley Klinghoffer and Sarah Hewitt, with the participation of over 70 artists around the country. It began as a means to show concern for both military and the civilian populace in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. The Project’s challenge was to transform a war icon into a symbol of peace and hope.

Collaboration between Lifesongs and the Love Armor Project arises as Lifesongs plans to expand work with veterans in 2019, seeking to engage with those who were active in both current and past conflicts and continue the alchemy of intergenerational creative exchange among New Mexico’s veteran community. Learn more about our October 26th concert spotlighting the work of Lifesongs veterans, Homecoming: Songs and Stories of Service, here.

The Love Armor 10th Anniversary Exhibition and Community Outreach Program shines a spotlight on what has occurred in the ten years since the Love Armor Project’s 2008 premiere at Center for Contemporary Arts and celebrates with three panel discussions and one oral history training session.

Schedule of events:

Advances in Neuroscience and Art Therapy in the Treatment of PTS Since 2008;
Saturday September 29, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
With moderator Dr. Deborah Good, who is a nationally Board Certified Art Therapist, Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor and New Mexico Licensed Professional Art Therapist and Clinical Counselor. The panel includes Dr. Bill Shuttleworth (UNM’s Director of the Brain & Behavioral Health Institute and Regent’s Professor in the Dpt. of Neurosciences), Alanna Burke-Sindlinger (President Elect for the New Mexico Art Therapy Association), and Dana Simmons.

Fiber Arts: Commemoration, Commentary, & Community;
Saturday September 29, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
The panel will explore how textile and fiber arts have been used to engage community in special ways to educate, raise awareness and/or make a statement. Topics addressed will include historical context and contemporary examples of textiles used as a medium for social commentary, commemorative projects and efforts on the ground in New Mexico. With moderator Lilli Tichinin (Program Coordinator for Folk Arts, Art Projects and Accessibility at New Mexico Arts), and panelists April Jouse (Española Valley Fiber Arts Center, Director of Programs), Patricia Forshaw (Quilts of Valor), Amy Groleau (Museum of International Folk Art), and Jayne Nordstrom (Love Armor Project 2008).

Library of Congress Veterans History Project: Oral History Training and Interviews
Sunday, September 30, 9:00 am – Noon. Pre-registration required. No experience necessary.
As part of the Love Armor Project 10th Anniversary, New Mexico Arts is partnering with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) to offer this FREE workshop for volunteers interested in learning how to conduct interviews with veterans for submission to the Veterans History Project. The workshop will cover specifics of the VHP and techniques and best practices for both amateur and experienced oral historians. The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Training conducted by Lilli Tichinin [pictured], Program Coordinator for Folk Arts, Art Projects and Accessibility at New Mexico Arts, including management of the Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program.

Featured photograph by Don Usner: Orland Vigil, Lifesongs Veteran, and Jordan Wax, Composer

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