This is the first guitar I’ve painted for Guitar for Vets, it’s truly been an honor. I’m originally from Compton, CA of all places where I started to draw, eventually I got into tattooing and landed an apprenticeship at HIDN TATTOO in San Jacinto, CA where I learned a lot but ended up leaving due to school, work and taking care of my babies.  When I drew the concept of this drawing I was thinking about how we all walk around with an empty feeling as if we are pursuing something but never got it or are still looking for it. The skeleton represents any service member out there not feeling themselves. He is out in the woods at night where one might feel cold and there’s no light in his world so the moon doesn’t exist for him. He does however have a jar, something that can be empty representing that feeling, he may not have the natural light but he can still pull something out of that jar he carries to light up his way even for a second. 

So if there’s any Vets out there not feeling OK, you’re not alone. You have to stop focusing on the darkness and cold place you dwell. There is always something bright on the inside. You just have to open that jar up and find your way back. 

“I am a self taught artist with twenty years of experience. My work has always been deeply connected to my identity. I tell stories and develop works that speak to myself and others. These visions come from the wanderings of my soul, exploring lucid dreams, and breaking through depression. I strive to make beautiful what some find sad or disturbing. I have spent the past three years trying to connect with my work on a deeper level improving my natural talent to create pieces that are authentic and powerful by achieving “flow state” a state of consciousness that occurs when you are connected with what you create and you become one with your art. My style is constantly evolving from otherworldly dream-like experiences to intense and wild visions. Creating is what makes me feel alive. I like to think that passion is genuinely felt through my artwork. “

Andrew Hood is a veteran of the United States Navy (1988-1992) and presently serves in law enforcement as a detective specializing in crimes against children. He has played guitar for 30 years and has recently began constructing guitars as a hobby, preferring to use recycled materials.

This guitar is offered as a tribute to a really great friend and shipmate MR2 Andrew Guthrie who passed away in 1992. This guitar has a custom body, produced using hand tools and from recycled skateboards. It has divots, wear marks, etc., consistent with being a used skateboard. The body was made using ten skateboards. It has a Tru-Oil finish. It is chambered and weighs right around 7lbs. It has a Mighty Mite neck with rosewood fretboard.   Hip-Shot locking tuners. It has Buddha Custom Wound P90s. (Alnico 2 magnets. The bridge pickup is wound to 9k. The neck pickup is wound to 7.2K.) Mojotone Vitamin T .047uF 600V Oil Filled Capacitor. Bourne 500k Potentiometers. Bitterroot three-way switch. The headstock logo is a vinyl sticker and can easily be removed.

Tori is the Director of Operation Art Strings and when she can, she loves to get her hands on a guitar and transform it into something totally different. Tori is an artist from Bristol, WI who mainly works in black and white and rarely ventures far into the color world. She enjoys the harsh contrast of black and white work and has picked up a street style art during her years at UW-Parkside, where she experimented with large scale/mural work and learned that just about anything can become your canvas, just like these guitars. She used her personal aesthetic preferences of simplistic flowers, checkerboard patterns, and line work to create this design. 

This was originally a roughed up, black guitar body laying around but she decided to sand it down, invert the body color and paint it white. Tori works strictly in black and white and rarely ventures far into the color world. She enjoys the harsh contrast of black and white work. She used her personal aesthetic preferences of simplistic flowers, checkerboard patterns, and line work to create this design. 

“I am Cheri Newton, a highly caffeinated chaos coordinator for a busy family, communications professional, and gardener for butterflies, pollinators, and sometimes, friends and family.

My husband, Ed, is a 2019 Guitars for Vets graduate and an active participant in the program. We live in northwest Ohio where flat farmlands give way to big, beautiful sky-full landscapes.

I named this piece “Latitude.”  Latitude has a double meaning, describing a location north or south of the equator, or describing the freedom to do as one wishes. While creating the piece my heart ached for adventure, nature, trails, and travel during a time when I was feeling stifled by winter, a pandemic, and the endless repetition of obligations. The piece reflects a desire to soar, trust my instincts, embrace nature, and find a little adventure for myself. Perhaps I should have named the piece, ‘an attitude of latitude.

I hope this piece inspires you to construct your life with more opportunities for adventure.” -Cheri

Joel Kos of Belgium, WI designed this guitar at The Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, WI. “The front of the guitar was designed to embody the spray paint art common found on the streets of major cities, to show the freedom of choice that we all have with unique color and design choices. On the back I took a more serious, yet simple design. I chose to take more of a realist approach by creating 3d hands on the back, to represent all Americans. The hands are reaching out in the shape of a heart to show that we ,as Americans, love and support our vets and thank them for everything mentionable and unmentionable. For everything sacrificed in the name of freedom. For all the days they suffered. Just so we can be here today as we are.” -Joel

This guitar along with others were donated to The Lakeshore Technical College from a nearby American Legion post, Melvin Wester Belgium Memorial Post 412 in Belgium, Wisconsin. Brian Toltzmann is a teacher at The Lakeshore Technical College and wanted to use these guitars to help support Guitars for Vets and the Operation Art Strings program while also getting his students involved. We are so happy to have students, colleges, and other community organizations willing to show their support and be involved and to help out our Veterans!

Jonathan is an airbrush artist and owner of Hard Head Custom Designs from Hazlet, NJ. He has now designed three guitars for the Operation Art Strings program! He is honored to be doing something to help out our Veterans and has been doing a great job at it as his first guitar has already sold and helped in sponsoring a Veteran in the G4V program. Getting involved with the Operation Art Strings project has given Jonathan a lot of creative freedom and has really pushed him to create works of art out of what he normally does. Keep an eye out for more of his beautiful work in the future!

Chris Berryman from Lake Charles, LA was in OIF3 in 2004-2005 in SW Baghdad. SAW gunner and Bradley drive for 1st Cav and 3rd INF. Combat Vet Infantry. “I have been playing guitar for 25 years, now work as a machinist and build guitars as a hobby. Also play guitar as PTSD therapy. I was featured in Guitar World Magazine in 2005.”

Melanie is an artist out of Griffin, Georgia. She was instantly drawn to this Barclay guitar and was inspired by the 1920s and flapper girls while putting a twist on it with her unique style. This is a great guitar to strum for fun and have as an eye catching piece hung on your wall!

Al Villacara is a New York City-based artist specializing in painting (acrylic on wood and canvas) and drawing (black ink on paper).  Al’s visual style is “life filtered through Saturday morning cartoons” and this can be seen via the bright colors and bold lines he employs.  His work has been featured in the ARTCRANK NYC 2014 Bike Poster Show and on the Mojohand.com Blues Folk Art Website.  Follow Al on Instagram at @av_art_works

“The Phoenix” – For my design, I considered that my project guitar would be revitalized from its original appearance through the Operation Art Strings program, “rising from the ashes” into a new chapter in the instrument’s life.  Similarly, our veterans that go through the Guitars For Vets program get a new start through music instruction, greatly benefiting them as they move forward.  The vision of a phoenix coming out of the flames made up of lots of bright colors really fits the shape and lines of this guitar well.  I greatly enjoyed creating this piece in support of my fellow veterans through Guitars For Vets! 

Laurie Rocs is a professional musician and inspiring artist out of Lincoln, NE. Combining both passions, she creates music inspired objects of art. Her newest endeavor is painting whimsical, retro designs on guitars and creating one-of-a-kind jewelry made from guitar strings. 

She has been in multiple bands through a 25 year span including recording a 3 song demo at Steve Vai’s studio in Hollywood. 

Jonathan is an artist and owner of Hard Head Custom designs from Hazlet, NJ. He has now designed three guitars for the Operation Art Strings program! This one specifically has been fully donated and redesigned by Jonathan. He is honored to be doing something to help out our Veterans and has been doing a great job at it as his first guitar has already sold and helped in sponsoring a Veteran in the G4V program. Getting involved with the Operation Art Strings project has given Jonathan a lot of creative freedom and has really pushed him to create works of art out of what he normally does. We are so grateful to have Jonathan be a part of the OAS team and all he has done to help support our mission and our Veterans. Keep an eye out for more of his beautiful work in the future!

William Beyer is an artist out of Painesville, Ohio. He completely fixed up and designed this electric body that once looked like it was never going to be played again. No it is has a new life and is ready to rock n roll!

William was honored to use his skills to help our Veterans. He even sent us a second body he designed to use in our program! We are still working on putting this guitar together, so stay on the look out for when it gets listed.

Jeremy is an artist out of South Carolina. Our South Carolina Chapter Coordinator, Heather Smith had this guitar and instantly wanted to use it for the Operation Art Strings program and Jeremy was the artist willing to donate his time to redesign this guitar and help support our Veterans and our mission.

Shawn Hamilton is an artist from Houston Texas, who has designed two guitars for Operation Art Strings and is currently working on another project for the Operation Art Strings program. He is always working on new guitar projects and wanted to lend a helping hand to our Veterans. Shawn created this piece as an ode to all the men and women who have fought for our country and our freedom. Big thanks to Shawn and be sure to keep an eye out for his future projects with us!

I am Mandy Russell, an artist from Union Grove, WI. I am a graphic designer, printmaker, and painter who enjoys working with mixed media. For this acoustic guitar I chose to work with acrylics on the natural wood base. My work is always based in nature and exploring the natural patterns and shapes you find that are both rigid or free flowing. I have always been connected to the outdoors exploring, hiking, fishing, gardening, and how we as humans are directly connected to this earth in both the physical sense and how it can nourish us and provide. This piece focuses us on one of nature’s direct links to help our food grow, the humble honey bee, one of the hardest workers we have. I am so happy to have worked on a piece where the proceeds will go to such a wonderful program that really helps out the veterans who have fought for us and our freedoms. I appreciate it more than they know.

Brian Toltzmann is a teacher at The Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, WI. He designed this guitar as a demonstration in his Custom Paint Class. This guitar along with others were donated to The Lakeshore Technical College from a nearby American Legion post, Melvin Wester Belgium Memorial Post 412 in Belgium, Wisconsin. Brian wanted to use these guitars to help support Guitars for Vets and the Operation Art Strings program while also getting his students involved. We are so happy to have students, colleges, and other community organizations willing to show their support and be involved and to help out our Veterans!

Aaron is an artist from Kirkwood, MO. He created this design with the inspiration of 90s style skateboard decks. He used fun pops of color, checker patterns, roses, and the almighty tiger as his focal point, along with a signature design on the backside. This guitar will be sure to grab anyone’s attention and is ready for some rock. Thanks so much Allen for creating this one of a kind guitar in support of our Veterans!

My guitar depicts a scene and characters from my stories set in a parallel universe. Kazyrra is a Demoness specializing in Monster Extermination and Investigation. She is strong, fast and has limited shape-shifting powers. Kazyrra can perform many spells and also can summon a vast array of magical weapons. The Devourers consume life and life-forces and magical energy. Kaz was summoned by a group of Wizards to stop the Devourers before they reached the Sky Pillars.

I designed the image and rendered it using DAZ Studio. Using polyester resin as the base medium, I combined brush and spray painting with printed paper collage/decoupage techniques to achieve the images upon the surface. All is top-coated with resin.

I have painted wall murals, automobiles and statues as well as hanging panels. I have painted hundreds of guitars. John Taylor of Duran Duran and Viv Campbell of Dio had instruments which I customized.

Shawn Hamilton is an artist from Houston Texas, who has designed two guitars for Operation Art Strings and is currently working on another project for the Operation Art Strings program. He is always working on new guitar projects and wanted to lend a helping hand to our Veterans. Shawn created this piece to resemble an old military plane and named it “Lucybelle”. Big thanks to Shawn and be sure to keep an eye out for his future projects with us! You can find him on Facebook: Shawn Crank Case Hamilton

Zack Colbert donated this guitar and his digital design talents to create and transform this guitar into a playable piece of art in remembrance of our fallen Soldiers depicting the American Flag and M16 Memorial (The Battlefield Cross.) He printed his digital designs onto guitar skins and then adhered and sealed them to the guitar.

Jonathan is an artist out of Hazlet, NJ. He has been honored to use his skills to help out our fellow Veterans and is currently working on a second guitar for Operation Art Strings. Getting involved with the Operation Art Strings project has given Jonathan a lot of creative freedom and has really pushed him to create works of art out of what he normally does. Due to some spray gun issues, this guitar evolved from a fun, cartoon peacock into a royal, detailed and realistic peacock that takes up the entire front side of the guitar. If you are someone who likes to stand out or simply loves exotic wildlife, this is the guitar for you!

Julie Oakes is a graphic designer and fine artist native to Florida’s space coast. Her art creations are inspired by a love of music, nature, and spirituality. Her style is detailed and colorful, fueled by memories of growing up in surf/skate shops, arcades plastered with black-light posters, and classic rock album covers. Julie’s favorite things to paint are guitars, skateboards, and vibrant visions with a psychedelic flair.

Julie graduated from UCF with a BA in Communications. She has been working as a graphic designer since high school where she created art for a specialty printing company while finishing her degree. After college she worked for Bombardier designing graphics for Sea-Doo watercraft. Eventually she started her company, Deco Graphics, to freelance for agencies and independent clients. She also enjoys spending some of her time teaching Commercial / Digital Art at a local high school where she inspires and prepares students to pass Adobe Certification exams.

Madeline Artac is a self taught artist, born and raised in Wisconsin – now residing in a small mountain town in Colorado. Madeline’s approach to art is through customization of clothing, accessories, living spaces, or anything that can hold paint to it. Her belief on customization is that new life can be brought to any item, making it sustainable and more lively. Madeline’s style stems from many facets of art, especially pop art, renaissance, graffiti, and new school tattoos. If you are interested in learning more about Madeline or commissioning work from her, you can visit instagram at @themadworld or email her at madeline.artac@gmail.com

teven Hecker of Manitowoc, WI. He is a  decorated Army Staff Sergeant and War Veteran who served 20 years. Steven designed this guitar at The Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, WI. This guitar along with others were donated to The Lakeshore Technical College from a nearby American Legion post, Melvin Wester Belgium Memorial Post 412 in Belgium, Wisconsin. Brian Toltzmann is a teacher at The Lakeshore Technical College and wanted to use these guitars to help support Guitars for Vets and the Operation Art Strings program! We are so happy to have students, colleges, and other community organizations willing to show their support and be involved and to help out our Veterans.

I’ve always lived a dual, city-country, life and that reflects in everything I do. I look to nature and where the organic intersects with human intervention, how it remains natural despite our best efforts. I wanted to decorate an acoustic guitar because that instrument is one of my oldest loves. I was raised by old hippies – my uncle John and later musician friends lurking in the basements of Kalamazoo, Michigan. I’m still being raised by old hippies – my friends associated with chapters of Folk Alliance.

 I wanted peaceful, happy motifs on this Suzuki guitar, so I painted a sunflower growing up and overtaking the beautiful natural wood. There’s a hint of blue and tiny birds, like a reflection of the sky. I want the future owner of this guitar to feel joy emanating from it

Kevin Haire is an artist out of Fort Wayne, IN. “The main reason I did this is that I believe in supporting our military and Vets. I have family members and friends that are in the military. When I saw your link on Facebook I knew that I had to do something. I play in a band and know how music can help people relax and get lost in it. Music is a strong healer In many different ways.  Music is a part of everyone’s life in some way or another.” -Kevin

Carol is an artist from Wellington, Florida. Carol specializes in alcohol inks and wanted to use her skills on one of our guitars. The guitar is a beautiful piece that brings a feeling of beauty and strength into any room it resides.

Shawn Hamilton is an artist from Houston Texas, who has designed multiple guitars for Operation Art Strings! He is always working on new guitar projects and wanted to lend a helping hand to our Veterans. Shawn has created a variety of pieces with different styles. Big thanks to Shawn and be sure to keep an eye out for his future projects with us!

A native to New England, I enlisted in the Army in 2003, honorably discharged in 2009; and now call Florida my home. Some say I have always been artistic however, it wasn’t until the pandemic that I took interest in the dot/mandala art form. I was honored with the opportunity to share my skills with this program. As a Veteran that struggles with her mental health, I cannot stress enough how important it is to find your zen place. Whether it’s with music or art or anything that can bring you peace. Veteran suicide is very real to me, and I was inspired by my battle buddies Steven Hays and Chris Perez (Crispy is what we called him) who have lost their battle with their inner demons.

This guitar was also inspired  by a Zen Garden, hence the koi fish & lily pads. The koi are positioned in a yin & yang symbol to reiterate the message of you can’t have the good without the bad, or light without the dark. The dragonflies, in a few cultures, are a sign from our loved ones that they are still with us. I placed wooden lotus flowers in the sound hole to show that beautiful things can grow from darkness, it just takes time for that seed to bloom and reach the sun. The neck of the guitar is done in the colors of the sunrise, to remind you that there is always a new day coming.

Lastly, there are textured waves and water to represent that life is ever changing just like the tides. Sometimes it can be rough, but other times can be beautiful and calm like a koi pond. Sometimes you just have to hold on and ride out the storm to get to your Zen garden. I couldn’t have asked for a better journey to be on in my life. It was truly an honor and a humbling experience to create this piece for these organizations that I hold dear to my heart. Much love and good vibes! And remember to find your Zen!

Shawn Hamilton is an artist from Houston Texas, who has designed multiple guitars for Operation Art Strings and has now designed our first Ukulele! He is always working on new guitar projects and wanted to lend a helping hand to our Veterans. Shawn has created a variety of pieces with different styles. Big thanks to Shawn and be sure to keep an eye out for his future projects with us!

Bill a self-described “Working Artist”, began his career as a caricature artist in 1978.

He has drawn at festivals and events up and down the Eastern Coast and as far west as Dallas Texas. Since his first gig at the Three Rivers Art Festival in Pittsburgh PA Bill has appeared at a variety of venues such as Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach, The Hickory Oktoberfest in NC, Summers and special events at Snowshoe Resort in WV, and a multitude of grand openings, weddings, birthdays, company picnics, Christmas Parties, Fund Raisers and other public and private events. His drawings are humorous and flattering at the same time. “I haven’t drawn EVERYBODY yet, but I’m working on it.” Although Bill is best known for his caricatures, he is also successful with The Starving Artist Studio created by he and his wife Amanda. Bill is also in demand for his Perfect Pet Portrait classes and Pet Portraits. Bill also creates murals, signs, T-shirt design, ads, CD covers, wood carvings, Cigar box Guitars, whimsical art, Chainsaw Art and more. Bill and his Wife Amanda opened the 1st Starving Artist Studio in Little River South Carolina. “I liked the sunshine and beaches, but it just wasn’t home.” So, in 2012 he and Amanda moved the studio home to Clarksburg WV.

Bill shares his knowledge of art as a teacher at Washington Irving Middle School in Clarksburg, WV. His teaching style is fun, fast-paced and peppered with humor. His two most famous quotes are: “There is no stress – just success.” And “Artists don’t make mistakes. We just change our minds.”

 “The secret of the mountain is that the mountains simply exist, as I do myself: the mountains simply exist, which I do not. The mountains have no “meaning,” they are meaning; the mountains are.. I ring with life, and the mountains ring, and when I can hear it, there is a ringing that we share. I understand all this, not in my mind but in my heart…” -Peter Matthiessen, The Snow Leopard

Carol Schilling has been painting and drawing since childhood. She is a wife (44 years), a mother of two grown children (one of whom is a veteran), and a grandmother of three. She has taught high school  and was a tenured college professor. She owns CS Arts and has painted and studied in France, Italy, Canada, and U.S. Today, she paints in her studio surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She works with acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, graphite (and clay) on treater paper, canvas, or wood. She is a portrait and figure artist. However, she experiments with landscapes and florals. She loves the dramatic contrasts of the Dutch master florals and admires the softness of the French Impressionist landscapes. She says that, for her, “green is a mystery; green is never just green.”

For this painting, The Secrets of The Mountain, Carol was inspired by the view of the setting sun in late/summer/ early fall while she was fixing dinner. It is personal. It is also universal. Because of atmospheric and seasonal changes, it is never static. There is very little noise in those mountains. Yet, wildlife is abundant. Bears meander in those mountains and leave scat and heavy paw prints. Snakes, birds, insects, and critters hide in those mountains. Yet, it feels safe. Those mountains reflect a never-ending feeling of mystery and possibility, the heavy earth, and the light, hopefulness of the sky.

Like the mountains, the process for this painting is multi-layered. Carol cautiously prepared the front of the guitar by gently sanding it. (Paint does not adhere to slick varnish.) Then, she vertically and horizontally applied multiple coats of artist gesso and used steel wool between coats. Next, she softly sketched in the mountain range using a number two pencil. For visual interest, she used a traditional division of the space: one-third land and two-thirds sky. This allowed her to incorporate the saddle and bridge into the curves of the mountains and the pickguard and sound hole into the sky. Because of their flexibility, Carol used professional quality artist acrylic paints. As influenced by French Impressionist oil painters, the palette is a traditional one for landscapes: (titanium) white, cadmium orange/ yellow/red, sap and viridian green, cobalt, cerulean, and ultramarine blue. To protect the paint, she used a soft gel gloss diluted with water as an isolation coat. To seal the painting, she used a professional artist “removable” gloss varnish made specifically for acrylic paintings. 

Harry Neumann is an artist from Plainfield, CT. Harry has worked on guitars before and wanted to take the opportunity to support our Veterans and the Guitars for Vets programs with his skills.

“My concept was a Hawaiian theme with colors that match or compliment the inlays in the neck and headstock. It was an honor to do this! Thank you so much.” -Harry

Jerry is an artist from Canton, MS. He has an art major but is mostly self taught. He has spent about 25 years airbrushing T-shirts and other clothing in various tourist areas. He also spent nine years as a sign/mural artist at Trader Joe’s. Jerry enjoys mixed media so he can use whatever medium he thinks will give him the effect he wants.

This guitar sold at the 2021 Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI and helped in sponsoring two Veterans in the Guitars for Vets program. Jerry is working on his second guitar, so keep an eye out for his beautiful work!

Randy is an artists from Conway, AR. He that takes guitars and guitar cases and finds a new purpose for them. We had this beautiful guitar but due to some damage it would not be playable again so Randy took it in and transformed it into this stunning, one of a kind shelves. He poured a resin backing and placed shelves into the hollow, all while making sure the guitar could still be restrung to show and honor its original purpose as an instrument. He then created a stunning mountain scene with wood-burning tools at the bottom. Randy was excited to use his skills to help out our country’s heroes and plans to participate again in the future, so keep an eye out for more of these stunning guitar shelves!

“I’m a painter currently living in Los Angeles.  My work focuses on technique in application and dynamic color stories, usually with a focus on organic subjects such as animals or body parts.

 My paintings are layers of independent shapes, stacked with precision to imply light, texture, and form.   With a balance of both careful color shifts and loud punches of contrasting hues, the end result is harmonious and vibrates with life.  Acrylic paint is my preferred medium, and I choose to create work on wooden surfaces, as the smoothness best lends itself to the clean and precise marks that evolve into my visual geometry.  My paintings are designed to exist carefully between mechanical and fluid, representational and abstracted, and ultimately tell an old story in a new voice.

 The subjects I choose to paint provide me with an opportunity to find unique ways to present things that are more or less familiar.  I like exploring visual concepts of wetness, softness, and hardness without being too caught up in realism– using somewhat relatable subject matter, such as rare birds or animal eyes, gives me more freedom to play with technique.

 Though I’m originally from Ohio, I currently live and create in Highland Park, CA.  I’ve got a rescue rabbit that lives in my studio and watches me paint, and my time outside of work is spent cooking, making cocktails, and exploring the city.”

Instagram: @theobanoth

Al Villacara is a New York City-based artist specializing in painting (acrylic on wood and canvas) and drawing (black ink on paper).  Al’s visual style is “life filtered through Saturday morning cartoons” and this can be seen via the bright colors and bold lines he employs.  His work has been featured in the ARTCRANK NYC 2014 Bike Poster Show and on the Mojohand.com Blues Folk Art Website.  Follow Al on Instagram at @av_art_works

“The Python” – For my second Operation Art Strings guitar I wanted to create a design that covered and flowed over the entire instrument body.  The imagery of a snake weaving its way over the dense jungle leaves really jumps out via lots of bright colors and fine line work.  Creating this artwork was a real labor of love for my fellow veterans that took many hours to complete.  I am incredibly proud to be a part of this wonderful initiative through Guitars For Vets and support their important mission!

Philip is an artist and Marine from Palmyra, Pa. He wanted to use his skills in the OAS program to help out fellow Veterans while creating a rustic American flag design on the surface of the guitar to honor our country and those who protect it. 

Charlie is an artist from Florida and painted the guitar with a red, white and blue, tone to it and then placed decals on the surface. Charlie wanted to support the G4V program and OAS program with this project.

“A self-taught acrylic and watercolor artists, I have also been involved in the local music scene for over 30 years as a fan and a photographer. Having a military family, my father and daughter were both in the Navy and my son-in-law is a Marine. I have seen the effects of war and PTSD on Veterans and I know of the healing power of music. When I was told about G4V and OAS I applied and was so excited and honored to be asked to paint a guitar.

I painted the poppies of Flanders Fields and the Horses of the Apocalypse on this guitar as a tribute to Vets. My father was a Quartermaster for his VFW post, so every November poppies were handed out and stories told of the importance of the poppy and Veteran’s Day. May it like Pearl Harbor Day and 9/11, always be remembered and Let Us Never Forget.”

Denny is an artist from Oklahoma. Denny wanted to design a guitar and contribute to this cause to help our Veterans. The guitar depicts butterflies with a blue/green background and aspects of nature and the back is a sky filled with clouds. The piece is dynamic and includes a variety of mediums.

“I am a self-taught artist and have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. This organization feels near to my heart. My father loved music and could play any instrument that had strings. My husband spent 22 years in the Marines Corps as a musician. We were lucky enough to travel and I feel like my art really blossomed when we lived in Hawaii. Both my husband and son play French Horn and their talent still amazes me.

Thank you for letting me paint for your organization.” -Kim Mitchell

Kim has now painted an acoustic guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and an electric guitar for our organization! She is soon to be working on a few more projects for us soon so keep an eye out for her one-of-a-kind work. This mandolin was also donated to us by Kim Mitchell after she painted it in honor of her father. This mandolin isn’t only a tribute to her father but was also one of her father’s instruments. Kim has told us he could play any instrument with strings, and we are honored to have this piece in our collection.

“I am the owner/artist of Aerial Spirit Art LLC and have been working as a commission-based artist for over 10 years, with several paintings auctioned for charitable events for a local hospital. Georgia O’Keeffe and Rosaleen Norton inspire me to use bold colors unapologetically, while trying to translate images into something that will speak to the observer. While acrylic or oil on canvas is my primary medium, as a kinesthetic artist, I frequently dabble in various mediums and techniques, mostly to see what happens, and if I can incorporate what I’ve learned into other projects. “

“Art major but mostly self-taught. About 25 years airbrushing T shirts and other clothing in various tourist areas. Nine years as a sign/mural artist at Trader Joe’s. Enjoy mixed media so I can use whatever medium I think will give me the effect I want.” -Jerry

Sarah Skelton creates design artworks using representational patterns and symbols with an abstract focus. Sarah uses drafting tools to draw precise circular shapes in order to create symmetry in her work. Sarah uses various media and technique to create the perception of depth in her work. Sarah includes many different patterns in her work all of different complexity, size, and detail to draw the eye and entrance the imagination. Sarah enjoys working in acrylic paints, pen and ink, markers, and pencil. 

Sarah is heavily influenced by spirituality and psychology, specifically the theories of Carl Jung. Jung postulates that the mandala, a circular shaped symbol, represents the collective unconscious and the archetypes of the human mind. Sarah uses this symbol in the majority of her work.

Sarah has always enjoyed artistic activities and has worked with multiple mediums throughout her life. She was first introduced to art by her mother, who is also an artist.  Sarah studied art throughout high school. She studies psychology in college and received a BA in psychology from Rutgers University. After working for nearly a decade in the mental health field Sarah became ill and was no longer able to work. She turned to art as a way to express her emotions. Sarah began creating jewelry and obtained a certificate in jewelry design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. Sarah then moved with her family to Tennessee, where she became involved in the local art community through the University of Tennessee. She participates in the Guitar as Art, juried exhibition every year during the Soybean Festival. Sarah found her love for painting guitars while completing her first guitar in 2016 and has painted a guitar every year since specifically for that show. 

Sarah is married to Shawn Skelton and has three beautiful children. She continues to paint guitars, create jewelry, and to create meaningful mandalas. Sarah is also writing a children’s book and enjoys writing poetry in her spare time. 

“Transformation” tells the story of a soldier returning home from war. While in the military the soldier must be a machine, following commands with no emotion or uncertainty. They are to forget their human side, turning them into the machine made of gears and wires. When the soldier returns, they must adjust, they must change back into their civilian identity. This is painful as they face the demons created by being a machine. They have to deal with the emotions that have been suppressed. The progress is slow and often lonely. The machine’s gears become old and rusted as nature begins to take over. Beauty begins to grow. Out of the machine grows the wild vines, the flowers, and life returns. The soldier becomes their natural self, the butterfly.  

I’ve been interested in art my whole life, but started painting more regularly once the pandemic started. Much of my work is inspired by the Midwest and all of it’s hidden treasures. I have found myself getting lost in the rolling hills and gentle winds of southern Wisconsin, feeling myself more connected to the land than ever before. I try to emulate these feelings in much of my artwork. With bright colors and bold brush strokes, I recreate the energy and movement I have felt in those moments.

Aside from my landscape and nature paintings, I have a passion for painting animals and trying to capture their unique expressions and personalities. Anywhere from cats to cows, I love brightening their features with unique colors.

Although I work in acrylics, watercolors, and oils, my favorite and primary form of expression is in oils because of the range of possibility for color.

 Hi, I’m Annah. I’m a graphic designer and art director who specializes in illustration, branding, photo editing and social design. I’m Wisconsin born and raised with a midwestern work-ethic and appetite. That being said, I’m passionate about my work and get psyched to work with people who also feel that zeal. Outside of work I’m usually monkeying around at my gym, playing hide and seek with my cat, or thrifting some treasures. Naked Lady Creative

www.annahhorst.com

“Carri Sue is an artist and illustrator living and working in the cow country of Idaho.  She is a creator of various fairies, pet portraits, custom logo design, cards, stamp designs, fine watercolor and oil. She enjoys working on projects ranging from fine oil paintings to comics.  As an artist she strives to lure in the viewer, stir an emotion and feel a connection to the work, opening a bridge to their imagination. As a medium Carri Sue favors the traditional yet also works digitally. Depending on the project and story, she will choose a medium that illustrates its best.”

Kristen Alice is owner and artist behind The Art Crate. She works from her home studio just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she creates relaxing and inspirational acrylic paintings and graphite drawings. Creating artwork has always been Kristen’s first love, as she spent a lot of spare time producing graphite drawings. Overtime, she developed the courage to begin working with acrylic paints, and has been doing so ever since.  Kristen originally had no plans to begin The Art Crate, as she completed her BA in Philosophy and later completed her graduate studies in elementary and special education. However, her love for creating pulled her back toward starting her own business, making and selling artwork, full time. Most days are spent drawing or painting scenes inspired by Lake Michigan and the ever-changing skies of the Midwest. While painting, Kristen uses quick and fun brush strokes, while her drawings are more patient and realistic with fine details. When not creating artwork, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their four pets (two German Shepherds and two cats).

linktr.ee/TheArtCrate

Krista Allenstein finds objects with a past life fascinating. She enjoys giving old items a purpose and an opportunity to exist in a new way. In an effort to find a new use for her collection of vintage maps, she began to use them as the foundation of her paintings of mid-century roadside neon signs, their wording altered to transform the signs into positive and encouraging beacons. Because the designs of the original signs–motel and liquor stores, diners and drive-in theatres–attracted customers during a time when not all customers were welcome, Krista wants to reinvent the purpose of these signs to attract and welcome everyone.  A graduate of the School of Visual Arts (NYC), Krista has enjoyed a warm welcome into the Milwaukee art world. Opportunities include exhibitions at the Lakefront Festival of the Arts, Oconomowoc Arts Festival, Madison Art Fair Off the Square, Frank Juarez Gallery, Gallery 2622, MARN gallery, 2020 Wisconsin Artist Biennial, and 2019-2020 ARTservancy and MARN mentor/mentee appointments. instabio.cc/3032101Dw4D2

My name is Katie. Evelyn and Finley are the heart and soul behind what I do; they are our kids. I studied art in Denver, CO where my love of hiking, fresh air and beer flourished. Born outside of Buffalo, NY, I currently reside in Oconomowoc, WI. I am reminded by my husband, Jimmy, that it is necessary to chase -and live- your dreams. Through the vulnerability of painting, I am greatly rewarded by true self expression laid out on my canvas and find it incredibly humbling to share my works with others.

www.evelynfinart.com

Hello! My name is Teresa and I’m an artist in Milwaukee, WI focusing on acrylic paintings and mixed media. I enjoy adding a unique perspective to my work in order to make each piece memorable. I specialize in custom pieces painted on request and also have original works for sale. I am available for mural work as well. Please contact me for more information, oconn028@gmail.com.

teresarosepaintings.patternbyetsy.com/about

“I am a self taught artist and have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. This organization feels near to my heart. My father loved music and could play any instrument that had strings. My husband spent 22 years in the Marines Corps as a musician. We were lucky enough to travel and I feel like my art really blossomed when we lived in Hawaii. Both my husband and son play French Horn and their talent still amazes me.

Thank you for letting me paint for your organization.” -Kim Mitchell

Jean is a mixed media resin artist from Southeastern Wisconsin with an emphasis on ocean inspired art and home décor. Jean has created her ocean scenes on many home objects and furniture before but this was her first time experimenting with a guitar.

Artbyanderson.net

“I am a self-taught artist and have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. This organization feels near to my heart. My father loved music and could play any instrument that had strings. My husband spent 22 years in the Marines Corps as a musician. We were lucky enough to travel and I feel like my art really blossomed when we lived in Hawaii. Both my husband and son play French Horn and their talent still amazes me.

Thank you for letting me paint for your organization.” -Kim Mitchell

“Annabella Camise is an artist based in Miami, FL. Camise’s paintings are typically various in materials and scales, from a small seashell the size of a fingernail to a three-wall outdoor mural. This impressionistic bonfire scene on an acoustic guitar is playful with light and color with each brushstroke in the water and fire. The symbolic meaning of fire for “passion” and water for “healing” are brought together in harmony to bring to mind the goal of the Guitars for Vets mission, to exercise both actions through music. She would like to honor her twin sister, Angelina, as well, who is currently serving her country as a United States Marine. “

“I began painting dot Mandalas about 3 years ago after seeing a photograph of beautiful, smooth, perfectly round stone that had a Mandala painted on it. I was in love. I started painting on flat local river stones for practice. Turns out getting that symmetry on a rock is harder than it looks!

I eventually tried painting them on old record albums which already provided the perfect center to start from and a circular shape. The challenge with them proved to be the grooves but I found the key there was to use excessive paint and wiggle the tool upon depositing the paint. I scoured local thrift stores for old 78’s and have painted and sold many of them.

I now look to thrift stores for anything the right size, shape and surface to paint….old, framed pictures I can take apart, wooden plaques, bamboo bowls…..Upcycle into art! It’s both cost effective and therapeutic!

I have been wanting to attempt my designs on an acoustic guitar for myself and when the opportunity to paint one for Guitars4Vets came along I jumped on it! I am pleased with the results. I am now on the hunt for that used, unloved thrift store guitar for myself!

There are many types of Mandalas, and I am often asked what Mandala means. The description I like to use is this:

 “The word Mandala comes from Sanskrit meaning “circle.” Mandalas have a concentric structure, meaning they are constructed from the center outward. They offer balancing visual elements, symbolizing unity, harmony and universal order. Its design is visually appealing, absorbs the mind, quiets chattering thoughts, and allows a more philosophic or spiritual essence to envelop the observer, which in turn leads to higher consciousness or awareness. In short, a Mandala can be seen as a hypnotic, letting the creative hemisphere of our mind run a little freer while our analytical mind takes a little nap.”

I hope my art brings you joy and peacefulness.

-Pamela Bennett’s Upcycled Art

Facebook: Pam Bennett, Verona Virginia

Frederick is an artist out of New York, he spent a lot of time fixing up the body work of this guitar and then transforming it from scrap to a playable bass guitar again! He fixed cuts and chips in the body, cut out a new pickguard, then painted the body and aged the accessories, all while transforming and building his own studio space. This guitar is a whole new guitar ready to rock!

“I just hope to encourage and edify people through colors and subjects that are uplifting! I hope the guitar made it okay there, and I appreciate you letting me paint a guitar for Guitars4Vets!” -Stacia Riccio

“My name is Jon Rountree. I am an artist from South Carolina and a former Army paratrooper. After my time in the military, I moved to Savannah and started doing graffiti. Throughout the past few years I’ve been drifting over into the more legal side of the art world, doing all sorts of commissioned projects. I’ve painted everything from beer kegs to firearms. I’ve never been to art school and I don’t know if I will ever make it big as an artist, but I simply love making art and have no plans to stop.

When I first received this guitar, it wasn’t playable. After doing a little woodwork and adding some hardware from one of my own guitars, I threw some strings on it to jam out. (It is a fun guitar to strum but still has major flaws, best if used as wall art) I painted it with spray paint and acrylic paint markers.

I’m thankful that I was able to leave the military relatively unscathed. However, I realize that not everyone can say that. I hope whoever gets this will carry on making music with it and that it helps them.” -Jon Rountree

“I am a self taught artist and have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. This organization feels near to my heart. My father loved music and could play any instrument that had strings. My husband spent 22 years in the Marines Corps as a musician. We were lucky enough to travel and I feel like my art really blossomed when we lived in Hawaii. Both my husband and son play French Horn and their talent still amazes me.

Thank you for letting me paint for your organization.” -Kim Mitchell

Dan Sampson was born in Colorado Springs, CO where he currently resides with his wife and family. He found his passion for the arts at a young age, finding inspiration from artists like Basquiat, Warhol, Hopper, and certainly Bob Ross. Dan received a few tubes of oil-based paint and previously loved paint brushes from his great grandmother and began to devote time to his new love for painting.

Dan would find encouragement and motivation throughout high school and late teen years with great mentorship and enjoying some successes at area art shows including “Wunderkind” at the Business of Arts Center in Manitou, CO in early 2000.

Dan would go on to be accepted at Parsons School of Design at The New School University in New York City to begin his career as an artist. However, due to circumstances beyond his control, would not be able to attend. This would eventually pave the way for a successful career in the paint & coatings industry, but at some cost.

The pursuit of a professional corporate career, while lucrative, did not leave much time or energy for indulging his passion for painting. In late 2020, after what amounts to a 20-year hiatus from the canvas and brush, Dan, along with the unwavering commitment and support from his wife has decided to re-ignite what was inadvertently extinguished so many years ago.

Tori is the Director of Operation Art Strings and is always looking to take up a new project when she can, her goal this year is to transform 5 or more guitars/instruments for the program! She loves working in black and white to create contrast and it turned out beautifully over this flamed maple wood grain. This piece would be great in your home or to be used as a playable instrument.

Randy is an artist from Conway, AR. He that takes guitars and guitar-cases and finds a new purpose for them. For this project, he took a defected guitar and used the sound hole to create an infinity mirror and surround it with LED lights that can be controlled with a remote. This is such a unique and fun piece that is ready to hang in your home! Randy was excited to use his skills to help out our country’s heroes with this project.

Randy is an artist from Conway, AR. He takes guitars and guitars cases and finds a new purpose for them. He transformed this guitar case into a shelf that lights up and illuminates on and off. This is one heavy duty, show stopping shelf. It is ready to hang and comes with a hook attached on the backside. Randy was excited to use his skills once again to help out our country’s heroes.

Since my childhood, I have had a deep appreciation for
nature which has served as a constant theme throughout my artwork. As I live on a partially wooded lot within walking distance of Lake Michigan, I find daily inspiration which greatly influences my work. Throughout the years, I have enjoyed working in many mediums including watercolor, oil, acrylic, and textile. I grew up in a multi-cultural home and have been surrounded by artwork from many different backgrounds particularly that of a great uncle, a Chilean printmaker. The vibrant
colors, attention to detail and stories behind each painting have had a huge impact in my artwork. Another theme reflected through my artwork deals with diversity. Given the diverse landscape we live in, I see nature as a unifying theme because nature is something that everyone can appreciate and like art can be a unifying force in people’s lives. This is especially significant now given the fracturing of our social fabric.
My current focus is mixed media and in particular, I enjoy using up-cycled materials to create fine art. My most recent pieces incorporate many materials including textiles and found objects. By using discarded objects in my artwork, the viewer can join me in re-imagining items that were once considered waste into something one could now consider beautiful.

April is a local artist of southeastern Wisconsin creating fantasy and fine art. For this project, she wanted to paint something that reminded her of music. The first thing that came to mind were flowers in bloom, which to her reflects the creation of music through the use of a guitar. She used her mediums in a way to create a translucency through the flower petals to reveal the original wood grain of the guitar, further intertwining the idea of music and flowers in bloom.

aprilelizabethart.com/shop

Tori is the Director of Operation Art Strings and tries to get her hands on a guitar whenever she is able. This was a damaged guitar sitting in our inventory that she decided to transform into a rad art piece to hang up on the wall and liven up your living space!

“I love working in black in white, creating string contrast and having fun with linework all while creating funky characters. It is always fun to see what the steals the show, my line work or my illustrations. I hope this piece brings some fun into someone’s life!”

“Where the wind flows through my childhood tire swing like blood through my veins. Where the tree grows deep to the well where my heart beats. Where my belly is warm with Mama’s soup, where I find my peace in the fragrance of my youth. My safe place.”

Patty displays her style on this with guitar with the use of blending bright colors and using silhouette type figures. She added an accent piece to the headstock to tie it altogether and fully transform this guitar into a work of art. It can be used as a playable instrument or a work of art for your wall. It was an honor to have Patty involved and watch her work her talents on one of our guitars.

Heather Boston is a self-taught artist from Gillis, LA. She is prophetic, intuitive, energy artist who paints mainly with her fingers. An avid lover of all things beautiful, she paints, sees, and fees the soul. Exploring depths of the unknown, going the extra mile, and sometimes known as rough around the edges. Freedom of expression, emotion, her passion for rich pigments have landed her the nickname “Queen of Colour.”

Tristen Oakenthorn is a Pacific Northwest-based artist, focusing on blending colors into a new imaginative, playful world view. An indigenous, non-binary, neurodiverse artist, Tristen shows the world through their eyes in every piece, whimsical or dark. Those lenses can be seen in both complementary and contrasting views as they lead you into a completely unexpected part of their world. Tristen has been featured in Transections 2020 as well as in multiple juried shows, their art is also in several private collections internationally.

Darrien was honored to be a part of this program and expand his art into the guitar world!

Cindi designed this guitar to honor our soldiers and was purchased by one of Guitars for Vets Regional Chapter Coordinators to greet everyone when they enter the Hancock County Veterans Service Office. This pieces also helped in sponsoring 2 Veterans in the G4V program!

Since my childhood, I have had a deep appreciation for
nature which has served as a constant theme throughout my artwork. As I live on a partially wooded lot within walking distance of Lake Michigan, I find daily inspiration which greatly influences my work. Throughout the years, I have enjoyed working in many mediums including watercolor, oil, acrylic, and textile. I grew up in a multi-cultural home and have been surrounded by artwork from many different backgrounds particularly that of a great uncle, a Chilean printmaker. The vibrant
colors, attention to detail and stories behind each painting have had a huge impact in my artwork. Another theme reflected through my artwork deals with diversity. Given the diverse landscape we live in, I see nature as a unifying theme because nature is something that everyone can appreciate and like art can be a unifying force in people’s lives. This is especially significant now given the fracturing of our social fabric.
My current focus is mixed media and in particular, I enjoy using up-cycled materials to create fine art. My most recent pieces incorporate many materials including textiles and found objects. By using discarded objects in my artwork, the viewer can join me in re-imagining items that were once considered waste into something one could now consider beautiful.

Peter is an artist out of Buffalo, NY. He is owner of PW Custom Art and transforms many objects into works of art, creating custom paint jobs. His favorite subjects to paint are dogs and has created many dog portraits throughout his career. Beyond that Peter has worked on guitars, motorcycles, and everything in between. He wanted to create a guitar that not only to make you want to rock n roll but also to honor our Veterans and all who have sacrificed for our freedom and our country.

Tori is the Director of Operation Art Strings and tries to get her hands on a guitar whenever she is able. This was a damaged guitar sitting in our inventory that she decided to transform into a rad art piece to hang up on the wall and liven up your living space!

“I love working in black in white, creating string contrast and having fun with linework all while creating funky characters. It is always fun to see what the steals the show, my line work or my illustrations. I hope this piece brings some fun into someone’s life!”

Upon freedoms shore 

Out among the sky 

Across land and sea 

They gave up their lives 

Willing to die for me 

Separating from their home 

Like many others before 

A battle fought time again 

Upon freedoms shore 

The colors of the flag wave 

Blue, red and white 

Remembrance of those who gave 

So others may see freedom’s light