Anna Long
(651) 757-1536
(651) 263-2640 (cell)
anna.long@state.mn.us

/mdva/assets/Coast-Guard-Painting_tcm1066-196517.jpgDULUTH, Minn. - The Veterans Memorial Hall in the Duluth Depot, will unveil Minnesota artist Charles Kapsner's Coast Guard tribute painting, the third painting in a series of five honoring each military service. Kapsner, who was commissioned by the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Association to create artwork for the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota, has developed the "Looking to the Past, Present, and Future: A Veterans Educational Historic Project," commonly referred to as the Veterans Art Project. The temporary exhibit will display the large-scale 8 by 10 foot oil painting and host appearances by the artist and members of the Coast Guard Honor Guard throughout the weekend. The exhibit goes through Monday, January 25, after which the painting will be sent to Little Falls for permanent display at the State Veterans Cemetery.

Charles Kapsner will be at the Veterans Memorial Hall 10 p.m. -3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 12 p.m. -3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Kapsner is an artist from Little Falls selected for his unique talent and use of live models wearing authentic uniforms to ensure that his paintings are as historically accurate as possible. Kapsner has real service men and women sit for hours to draw each detail and diverse element that makes up each person and each branch, both past and present. Kapsner has already created tribute paintings for the Army and Navy. They are on permanent display in the committal service building in Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery. The two remaining paintings in the series will pay tribute to the Air Force and Marine Corps. For more in-depth commentary from the artist and a follow-along photo gallery visit: http://vetsart.org/.

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls will be the final showcase for the five works of art. "Collectively, I think this project creates a unique experience and space to honor Veterans and their families; this iconic tribute to their service and sacrifice really makes the Little Falls Cemetery special and gratifying to all those who visit," said Dave Swantek, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs State Cemetery Manager.

Unlike any other state cemetery monument, these paintings are all unique and originals dedicated to the men and women who have served in each branch and their families that served along with them. If unable to attend the temporary exhibit in Duluth, the paintings can be seen at the Little Falls Cemetery. For more information, including cemetery hours and information visit our /mdva/memorials/stateveteranscemeteries/minnesota-state-veterans-cemetery-little-falls.jspLittle Falls State Veteran Cemetery Page.

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The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veteran's preference. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet.