Military veterans come together for unique art collaboration

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Kirkland Lake’s Multicultural Group will host an art exhibition entitled The Colours of Collaboration at its headquarters, known as The Stope, Feb. 10- 11.

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The exhibition is the brainchild of artist and curator Marie Moldovan, who founded the initiative with the dream of demonstrating peace is possible through collaboration.

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Moldovan, who splits their time between Larder Lake and Gravelbourg, Sask., is a Canadian Forces veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and various other invisible wounds, which affect their mental health and well-being.

They decided to use their artistic talent and passion to create a platform for artists from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to express themselves and share their visions of peace.

In a media release, Moldovan stated they reached out to their friend and fellow veteran Joe Mykut, who served in the United States Naval-Corp and asked them to join in on the initiative.

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For Moldovan, interacting with Mykut is a form of self-guided exposure therapy. Mykut is an avid photographer, writer and artist, who also found art to be a therapeutic and creative outlet.

Together, they launched the Colours of Collaboration project, inviting artists from all over the world to join them in their initiative.

They received an overwhelming response, with 44 artists from many different countries agreeing to participate in the project.

The artists include painters, sculptors, photographers, digital artists, poets and more, who have diverse styles and techniques.

Some of the artists are also veterans, refugees, survivors of abuse, or activists, who have personal stories and experiences related to peace and conflict.

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The artworks range from realistic to abstract, from colorful to monochrome, from traditional to modern, and from simple to complex.

Each artwork has a unique story and message behind it. Some of the works are inspired by the artists’ personal experiences, such as war, trauma, migration, or oppression.

Some of the artworks are influenced by the artists’ cultural backgrounds, such as their religion, language, or heritage. Some of the artworks are motivated by the artists’ aspirations, such as justice, freedom, or harmony.

Some of the artworks are simply expressions of the artists’ emotions, such as joy, sadness, or anger. Some of the art is inspired by the artists’ passions.

Moldovan also notes the project has several benefits and impacts, including promoting peace and harmony. The project aims to spread the message of peace and harmony to the world, and to inspire people to see the beauty and diversity of humanity.

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It also hopes to raise awareness and support for the causes and issues that the artists care about, such as human rights, social justice, environmental protection and more.

The project provides a platform for the artists to express themselves and share their stories and emotions, which can help them cope with their mental health and well-being. It also offers a sense of community and belonging for the artists, who can connect and collaborate with each other and with the audience. The project also encourages the audience to engage with the artworks and reflect on their own feelings and thoughts, which can improve their mental health and well-being as well.

It showcases the talent and creativity of the artists, who have diverse styles and techniques. The project also celebrates the culture and heritage of the artists, who have different backgrounds and experiences. The project also educates the audience about the art and culture of the artists, who have unique perspectives and insights.

The exhibition can be seen from Feb. 1-3 in Larder Lake, at the Legion Hall, at The Stope in Kirkland Lake, from Feb. 10- 11, and at the Legion Hall in Virginiatown, from Feb.24-25.

The exhibition is free, although donations are welcome, and it is open to the public.

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