The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities gallery in Washington, D.C., is hosting "Behind the Uniform," an exhibition featuring artwork by 125 artists, including several Capitol Hill veterans. Curated by Kasse Andrews-Weller, an Army and Air Force veteran, and co-curated by Moira McGuire, the show presents works that express wartime experiences and personal stories, with many artists using art as a means of healing from trauma. Highlights include a large quilt by the Treasured Piece Makers, led by Anne Crouch, made from uniform fabric and mission logos, and a painting by Jeremiah Foxwell honoring his bomb-disposal partner Kevin Powell.
The exhibition matters because it amplifies the voices of veterans through visual art, offering a powerful platform for storytelling and healing while showcasing artistic talent independent of its military context. By involving institutions like the DC Veterans Administration Medical Center’s Community Living Center and the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the show bridges the art world and veteran communities, fostering broader awareness of the experiences of those who served. The planned donation of the featured quilt to the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago underscores the lasting impact of this initiative.