Veterans Book Project Explored at Minnesota IFP Center for Media Arts

The Minnesota IFP Center for Media Arts is currently hosting the photographic exhibition "Unshared Sacrifice" at its gallery space, located near the intersection of University Avenue and Highway 280.

Yesterday evening, the exhibition was enhanced by a 7 p.m. discussion about Monica Haller's Veterans' Book Project, a library archive of books written by veterans, their family members, journalists and others with a first-hand knowledge and experiece in America's current and recent wars.  The discussion was moderated by author Philip Studer, who was joined in the panel by authors Chante Wolf and Aaron Heusinkveld.

Several of the authors were present to talk about their books.  The discussions were riveting and the subject matter was occasionally disturbing.

Outside the room where the panel discussion was held, quotes from the authors are on exhibit, as well as photographs from Iraq and Afghanistan contributed by Monica Haller and Teri Fullerton.  A reading room is available to visitors, with copies of the books written by the authors of the Veterans' Book Project.

Also present at the event last evening was a representative from Senator Amy Klobuchar's office who spoke briefly about veterans' issues.

I learned about the Veterans Book Project from my friend Vance Gellert, who is Curator of Photography for the Minnesota IFP Center for Media Arts.  Vance was on Madeline Island this past summer and I hope to see him on the Island again in 2012!