Veterans Light Up the Arts announces full program ahead of Friday’s event

MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce announced today the full program for the 4th Annual Veterans Light Up the Arts event to be held Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Windhover Hall. ​​​​Carole Caine, host of WVTV Super 18 The CW, will emcee the event and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Mary M. Kolar is set to deliver keynote remarks.

Veterans Light Up the Arts is an annual event celebrating veteran, service member and military spouse artists and performers. Community members are invited to come see the healing power of the arts and enjoy an evening of entertainment. Tickets are available here. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a Visual Art display, and the program continues with performances from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

“I suffered through two major traumas in the military, and I never thought I would live to see 40. I’m turning 43 this year and am so excited for my future thanks to opportunities like Veterans Light up the Arts!” said photographer and military veteran Carissa DiPietro. “Having the ability to display my photography at the Milwaukee Art Museum is a dream come true for me. To have people recognize me as an artist is absolutely incredible. This opportunity sparks my creativity and the positive feedback keeps me going.”

New this year, Veterans Light Up the Arts is welcoming art from military spouses in addition to military personnel and veterans. Also new, a Virtual Reality Veteran Art Museum will be on display as part of the exhibit. Attendees will be able to put on a VR headset and peruse veteran and military art.

“For many veterans and military personnel, art is invaluable in dealing with trauma and easing the transition home. This opportunity for veterans to display their work is an incredible celebration of the healing power of art.” said Saul Newton, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. “As this event continues to grow, we are thankful for the continued support of the Milwaukee community.”

The event will again feature a silent auction with donations from the Milwaukee Bucks, Summerfest, Solly’s Grille, Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub, Guitars for Vets, Think Pawsitive Dog Training, Next Act Theatre, Milwaukee Rep Theatre, Danceworks, Milwaukee Film, Bublr Bikes, Aperitivo restaurant, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet, Dogs of MKE, Respect the Flag Apparel and ComedySportz.

Non-profit partner Guitars for Vets will also be collecting instruments. Members of G4V will be on hand to collect guitars, amps, accessories, drums and keyboards. Instruments in any condition are accepted and donors will be issued a tax receipt.”These Veterans showcase the rare ability to take the tragedy of war and weave it into healing snapshots of sound and space,” said Patrick Nettesheim, co-founder of Guitars for Vets. “They do more than light up the arts, they become it.”

All proceeds benefit the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Feast of Crispian, Milwaukee Chamber Theater, Guitars for Vets, Lift for the 22, Warrior Songs and Ex Fabula. Businesses and individuals interested in becoming a sponsor or donating a silent auction item can contact organizers via email here.

The event is presented jointly with the Milwaukee County War Memorial.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.