Monuments interpreting the experience of the American soldier and sailor are typically designed and built by professional artists with no military experience. That’s why Operation Valor Arts’ grant-winning project struck a chord with the trustees this month. Operation Valor Arts: A Veterans Initiative is a new veteran non-profit in Pittsburgh wherein public artwork is produced by veterans, for veterans. OVArts puts the creative power in the hands of the men and women who have lived as soldiers and sailors; they are being given access to design education and guidance from experts in design, fabrication, and documentation of monument construction. As a byproduct, OVArts helps veterans transition to meaningful civilian careers. Participating veterans receive hands-on training and experience, meet local professionals in the region, and are paid a training stipend.

OVArts aims to highlight the incredible skill and strength of veterans. Says Board Secretary Christina Sarson:

“I am committed to making this project succeed. There are currently no monuments dedicated to OEF/OIF [Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom] veterans. As the yellow ribbons come down and negative perceptions about veterans’ issues abound, I want to have big, elaborate public art pieces all over Pittsburgh–and eventually nationally–that scream, ‘Look at what veterans can do!’”

Christina herself is a U.S. Army veteran (OIF II and 06-07) and landscape architect (graduate of Chatham University). She and the OVArts team not only want to send a positive reminder of all veterans’ service, but also a recognition that most veterans are not broken or in need of charity. Instead, OVArts sees veterans as they are – extraordinarily motivated, capable, and creative members of the community.

OVArts is launching its pilot project in honor of Sergeant Thomas E. Vandling, Jr., who gave his life during his second tour in Iraq. Their project design team has secured a project site and plans to begin construction this summer. Awesome Pittsburgh’s grant money will pay for training stipends and office/classroom space. ALL efforts are in direct support of the pilot project for Sergeant Vandling.

Operation Valor Arts is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to assisting Veterans with education, training, and entrepreneurship while they design and construct public art to honor those who served. OVArts was created in 2011 by a diverse group of community leaders, health scientists, and Veterans who came together to explore an innovative approach to addressing issues facing transitioning Veterans. To learn more, visit www.ovarts.org or Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OVArts