Will Williams (De Forest), Army Staff Sergeant, 25th Infantry Division, 1966–67; photograph by James Gill
On Wednesday, November 11th (Veterans Day), the Chazen Museum of Art, 800 University Avenue, will host a free panel discussion and reception to explore and celebrate one of its current exhibitions: “Back in the World: Portraits of Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans,” which is on display in the Mayer Gallery through January 3, 2010.
The exhibition features large-format color portrait photographs by James Gill.
According to the Chazen, “As part of its Wisconsin Stories project, Wisconsin Public Television has produced documentaries about Wisconsin veterans’ experiences in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. During production of the Vietnam project (to air in 2010), photographer James Gill took portraits of the veterans who participated in the documentary as a tribute to their service. These photographs provide insight into the veterans’ memories and experiences, which they carry long after the war ends. The scale and presence of the images, combined with brief excerpts of interviews with their subjects, place them in a long tradition of art that delivers a powerful social message.”
Wednesday’s panel discussion will begin at 6:00 p.m. and feature opening remarks by photographer James Gill, followed by a panel discussion with Vietnam veterans George Banda (Milwaukee) combat medic, 101st Airborne Div.; Bruce Jensen (West Allis), gunners mate, USS Stone County, Mobile Riverine Force; James Kurtz (Middleton), platoon leader, 1st Infantry Div.; Rev. Ray Stubbe (Wauwatosa), Navy chaplain, Siege of Khe Sanh; Willie Williams (De Forest), staff sergeant, 25th Infantry Div. Mik Derks, a producer, Wisconsin Public Television will be the moderator.
Following the panel discussion, there will be a reception with refreshments and a cash bar.
For additional information, contact the Chazen Museum at (608) 263-2246.
