FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2011
New Veteran Art Exhibit Opening at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum A Vision from Another Sky: The Paintings of Vietnam Veteran Jim Walktendonk
(MADISON) – The Wisconsin Veterans Museum opened A Vision from Another Sky: The Paintings of Vietnam Veteran Jim Walktendonk exhibit on October 1, 2011. The exhibit will remain on display through the end of the month, until October 31st.
Following his service as a dog handler in the Vietnam War, Jim Walktendonk returned home and began to use music as a way to cope with his wartime experience. His pen and his guitar became critical allies, and his songs earned him renown within the veteran community and elsewhere. A featured performer on Vietnam Veteran recognition programs for PBS and HBO, Walktendonk shared the stage with such notables as Stevie Wonder and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. However, by the 1990s, Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam drastically limited Walktendonk’s ability to play guitar. Unable to perform, he heeded the advice of his wife and began to paint. This exhibit is the first time his artwork will be shown to a public audience. These nearly two-dozen oil paintings reflect the artist’s feelings on Vietnam, how Agent Orange changed his life and those of his wife, children, and grandchildren, and his love of music.
Meet the artist of this exhibit on Gallery Night this Friday, October 14, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, with a presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Questions about the exhibit may be directed to Jeff Kollath, Curator of History at (608) 261-0541 or email Jeffrey.kollath@dva.state.wi.us.
Operated by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is committed to honoring Wisconsin’s military veterans and their role in shaping our nation’s history through unique collections, award-winning exhibits, and educational programs. The Department and the Museum are located at 30 W. Mifflin St. in Madison, across the street from the State Capitol. For more information go to www.wisvetsmuseum.com.
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201 West Washington Avenue | Madison, Wisconsin 53707
1-800-WIS-VETS | WisVets@dva.wisconsin.gov | WisVets.com