11/16/2024
Our mission is to provide veterans with training and resources to enable them to design interpretive public art as a means to process their experience of war, engage and collaborate with fellow veterans and foster understanding of the military and military family experience.
As you may have noticed most military related public art takes the form of monuments or memorials, which usually depict a single Soldier or groups of Soldiers, perhaps engaged in battle. Historically it has been civilians who have been commissioned to create this work. Individuals who have never served or ever deployed.
Ovarts is committed to empowering our veterans to tell their own stories directly through public art. Unlike monuments or memorials interpretive public art can be more reflective of the broader military culture.
Letās pause for a moment to consider In the Shade of Service as an example of interpretive public art
The overall form itself reminds us of the deep spiritual significance of the tree, rooted in the Earth, which might be thought of as our multiple communities, both civilian and military. The tree is a symbol of growth, strength, and resilience. We used Corten steel and stainless steel, both among the most durable materials. To those sitting sheltered, under the shimmering, dog tag leaf canopy, sunlight pours down to nurture. The lone silhouette of our Soldier is forever protected as well. The design team envisioned that those seated at a bench would take a moment to look up through the canopy and recall the many around us who sacrificed quietly to ensure our freedoms. A. Holtz, Cofounder and Executive Director Ovarts.
