SkinTrust

The National Veterans Art Museum is committed to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting art created by military personnel inspired by their experiences during active duty. The museum's focus is mainly on the Vietnam War, and its primary goal is to increase the public's understanding of the impact of conflict. By showcasing artworks created by military veterans, the museum aims to encourage dialogue about the effects of war, including its physical, mental, and emotional consequences. Since its establishment, the museum has amassed a significant collection of artwork created by veterans who have served in various wars, including WWII, Korea, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror. The collection now comprises over 2,000 pieces, a considerable increase from the 700 works created by 115 artists who served in the Vietnam War. These veterans come from different parts of the world, such as the United States, Australia, Cambodia, Hungary, Thailand, and North and South Vietnam. The museum's collection includes paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, and literary works by military writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Tim O'Brien. The museum also offers interactive exhibitions, allowing visitors to engage with the ideas and themes presented.

The Ravinia Festival is a popular event that attracts over 600,000 visitors annually. The festival takes place from June to September at Ravinia Park, which hosts 120 to 150 music events. The Breaking Barriers Festival is part of a successful series of concerts and symposiums focusing on female conductors. This time, the festival celebrated female composers in classical, jazz, and singer-songwriter genres. The festival featured three evening concerts, panel and roundtable discussions, workshops pairing composers and conductors, and other events collaborating with New Music USA and The Chicago Network.