Recently a small representation of artists from The Steel Spirit gathered at the Military Heritage Park in Barrie to display their works.
It was for a photo shoot that morphed into a tiny art exhibit as a handful of people walked along the trail and stopped to look at the art with interest.
The Steel Spirit is a gallery of art submissions and stories from members of the military, first responders and hospital practitioners (serving or retired).
“The organization aims to create a platform of recognition and thanks for the work that they do,” said Barbara Brown, who founded The Steel Spirit.
Submissions have ranged from individuals with an artistic background to others who have had no prior art experience yet have found a medium they enjoyed working in.
“When most people hear 'art' they tend to only think of painting or drawing,” Brown explained. “We've had a much larger base of mediums involved with The Steel Spirit, including sculpture, photography, pottery, stained glass, leatherwork, wood burning, woodturning, metalwork, airbrushing etc.
“We even had a poetry submission in 2018 by a Second World War veteran, Fred Andrews, who submitted a poem he wrote over his six years fighting in Europe. He is 99 years old and still writes poetry today,” said Brown.
The gallery began in 2017 with 10 artists. It has since expanded to 30 artists as well as its first gallery in Nova Scotia in 2019 which featured 16 artists from that region.
“Despite the ongoing pandemic, The Steel Spirit has begun to shift the galleries to a digital space so that artists can continue to share their works and stories with the community,” said Brown.
Six military newspapers across the country have begun running a monthly artist spotlight for The Steel Spirit.
The Steel Spirit will also be hosting an activity as part of Culture Days, a national initiative celebrating arts and culture. Updates will be posted on their website. Check for www.thesteelspirit.ca for details of this free online event this fall.
“As a contributing artist, I’ve known Mrs. Brown for about a year now,” said Orillia veteran Tyler Shepperdson.
“I joined the ranks back in 2019 and have been lucky enough to have been showcased in three exhibits now.
“Each time I was absolutely amazed by the resolve, dedication and skills of each and every contributing artist,” said Shepperdson. “Barb has worked so hard and selflessly each time to share these wonderful pieces and personal experiences with the community. I’m grateful to be a part of this fine group of individuals.”
The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone. But out of the pandemic have evolved much art and many experiences.
If you are interested in being involved with The Steel Spirit or know someone who might like to be, please visit the website for more information. This platform is free for all artists involved.
