Portraits of American Veterans on Display at Elgin Academy

Description

We invite you to join us on Friday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. for the Opening Reception of Portraits of American Veterans by Algonquin artist Jeanine Hill-Soldner. This moving exhibit of oil paintings combines striking visual images with vivid storytelling. The Reception will be held on the third floor of the Rider Center at Elgin Academy located at 350 Park Street in Elgin.

Ms. Hill-Soldner describes the exhibit as "a healing project that aims to touch all who view the portraits and read the stories from three generations of American Heroes."

In 2009 Ms. Hill-Soldner founded the Portraits of American Veterans project as a continuation of her artwork about war and veterans. This groundbreaking exhibit integrates original oil paintings of local veterans with their photographs and stories. The artist's goal is to create new art about war that authentically depicts and honors Soldiers, Sailors Marines and Airmen that have served from WW II to the present conflicts. The lives of these men and women were defined or shaped by their experience while serving in the military. 

A portrait begins with the veteran visiting the artists' studio in Crystal Lake. Ms. Hill-Soldner quietly listens as they talk about their military experience, at times, reviving long forgotten memories. The veteran then poses in the studio for two hours while the Artist starts the painting from life. Meaningful objects such as medals, uniforms, and photographs, chosen by the veteran are brought to the Artist's studio. The memorabilia chosen to be included are carefully painted to provide key elements in the visual story telling process. The paintings and stories provide a visual dialogue, a connection between the viewer and the veterans.

Ms. Hill-Soldner is the owner of Soldner Fine Art Studio located in Crystal Lake. She is an award winning nationally recognized artist with more than 30 years of art exhibition and teaching experience. She has a Master of Art in Art Education from the University of Illinois and a Bachelors of Art in Art Education from the University of Florida.

The exhibit will run throughout the summer.