Letters from Iraq and Afghanistan

Call for Submissions

VIRGINIA BEACH—The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia (CAC) is looking for locals to share their own stories from loved ones serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. On Veterans Day (November 11, 2005), CAC will open an exhibition entitled Letters from Iraq and Afghanistan, which examines the most personal communications between military families and their loved ones in modern times. From videotapes made by sailors for their children’s birthdays to emails discussing the reality of the battle line, “Letters” illuminates the sacrifices our military families make.

Guest curator and former naval officer Taylor Kiland is working with CAC staff to create the exhibition using items on loan from soldiers, military families and the Library of Congress. The exhibition is expected to travel to other venues in the U.S. and overseas. In 2002, Kiland co-curate Open Doors: Vietnam POWs Thirty Years Later, a traveling exhibition and catalogue.

Andrew Carroll, author of the book War Letters, will present a lecture at CAC on Thursday, December 15, 2005. War Letters is a collection of previously unpublished correspondence from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Cold War, Persian Gulf, Somalia and Bosnia. These dramatic accounts offer expressions of love, humorous anecdotes and gripping details from several generations of American heroes. The PBS documentary based on Carroll’s book airs each weekend during the exhibition’s run, in CAC’s auditorium.

Many aspects of “Letters” reflect Hampton Roads, where military families make up the largest segment of the workforce. These soldiers, sailors and airmen are the fabric of the community. Their mementos, letters and electronic documents will form a multi-media exhibition which allows viewers to see a more personal side of modern conflict. An opening reception is scheduled for the morning of November 11. The exhibition is on view November 11, 2005-January 1, 2006. This exhibition is sponsored by The Flagship, Military Newspapers of Virginia, USAA military financial services, 13 WVEC TV and Hall Automotive.

CAC is looking for letters, emails, diaries, videos, posters, songs, T-Shirts, sculptures and memorabilia from military personnel and their loved ones across the nation. Entries may be submitted in person at CAC or via email to letters@cacv.og. Release forms must be completed; forms are available at CAC’s front desk or online at www.cacv.org. Submissions are accepted Monday-Friday, 3-5pm. Deadline is September 23, 2005. Inquiries may be directed to letters@cacv.org or 757.425.0000x28.

CAC is located at 2200 Parks Avenue at the entrance to Interstate-264 in Virginia Beach. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday, noon to 4pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, students and active military. CAC members and children under the age of 4 are admitted free of charge. For information call 757.425.0000 or visit the CAC’s Web site at www.cacv.org.

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