PEORIA, Ill. — At least 22 veterans commit suicide every day. That’s a stinging statistic. But, it was also the inspiration for a group of talented artists called 22VA –that offers help to local vets dealing with depression and PTSD through art.
22VA Founder Michael Ragan originally began working 22 local veterans, giving them an outlet to work through their feelings and trauma.
22VA is putting on their 8th annual Art Show at Peoria Public Library’s Main Branch starting Saturday (11/12) with a reception from 1-3 p.m.
Many of the artists will be there, but some just aren’t ready to talk.
“We have one artist that came in last year, it was his first year, he was a Vietnam medic. He just didn’t want to talk to people, but he’ll be ready this year. He literally told me that he’s waited 50 years to display his art somewhere,” Ragan says.
22VA’s art will be on display through the end of December.
“Holidays are hardest on vets, we try to have something there to reach out to people,” Ragan says.
For more information about 22VA, click HERE.
