WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – An exhibit featuring 20 local veterans opened Friday at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, combining black and white photography and written accounts to mark 250 years of American independence.
The display, titled “It’s Not Black and White,” was created by artist Charlie Baggett over two years. Each portrait and accompanying written piece reflects how a veteran’s military service shaped their life.
Baggett said the photographs capture something consistent across the subjects.
“One thing they will see is that the eyes don’t change. The one thing that does change about the eyes is the seriousness. They went through a lot when they served,” Baggett said.
The exhibit opened Friday evening as part of Wilmington’s Fourth Friday Art Walk. Baggett said she hopes visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the veterans’ experiences.
“It just seemed like it was never going to get here. Today is the day. I am hoping that many people will get the chance to walk in here and see this exhibit and to learn,” Baggett said.
“It’s Not Black and White” runs through Aug. 22 at Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens.
The veterans honored are: David Joseph DeAndrea, Carol Ann Wise Fesser, Willie Lavander Gore, John William Hacker, Bruce Harry Hackert, Maria Chahl Horton, Kristopher Allen James, Allen Neal Keller, Kobe Terence Kelley, Patricia Comeau Kelley, Justin Henry Kornegay, Eric Ray Mens, Robert Max Rudolph, Charles Richard Sewell, Deborah Lindert Shaw, Hubert Seely Shaw, Thomas Francis Sullivan, David Patrick Tousignant, Billy Turner, and George Van Vekoven.
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