The Graffiti of War: Walls of War VIP Event

Charlotte, NC- On Memorial Day Weekend, May 25th – 27th, the North Davidson neighborhood in Charlotte, NC (NoDa) will be the host to an inspiring, educational and emotional art exhibit: The Graffiti of War Presents: The Walls of War Tour. The Project’s goal is to provide the world with a unique glimpse into the lives of military men and women who experienced modern warfare through documenting and displaying this conflict art they created while serving in combat. Each image represents a moment in time, when an emotion was captured in ink, paint or pencil.

On May 25th, a VIP private viewing event will be held for press, community leaders, and veterans to view this vast collection of Conflict Art. The Graffiti of War (GoW) has confirmed that storied journalist and war correspondent, Joe Galloway (We Were Soldiers…Once and Young), will be attending the VIP event with his wife, Doc Gracie, as well as their support dog, Jacques. Mr. Galloway will be the VIP Speaker at the event, along with GoW’s very own, Jaeson “Doc” Parsons. On May 26th and 27th, the exhibit will be open to the public. This event is being hosted by Canvas Tattoo & Art Gallery (3012 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205) owned by former 75th Ranger Regiment combat veteran, Jason Baker. In addition, the event will help promote and raise funds for Veterans Bridge Home, a Charlotte-based non-profit which focuses on bridging the gap between veterans and their community.

GoW, founded by Jaeson Parsons, a former Army combat medic, is a collaboration of veterans, service-members, military family members and civilians whose focus is on raising awareness for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war, primarily post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI), and on developing and providing alternative solutions for the healing of those afflicted. The primary mission of this Tour is through sharing these images, a dialog will begin between soldier and civilian, to bridge the ever-widening divide between those who have endured the misery of war, and those who can only imagine the horrors.

“Many of our supporters either struggle with these wounds themselves or share the burden of a loved one who does,” said Parsons. “Our mission isn’t political, we have no ulterior motives except to bring empathy and understanding back to a nation disconnected from the rest of the world. Our collective vision, as members of this team, is to change the world in which we live, one small step at a time.”

Parsons plans to publish his book, titled The Graffiti of War. This book will include hundreds of images collected over the past decade along with essays from those affected by the conflict to include veterans, military members, spouses, graffiti artists as well as mental health professionals. These professionals have intimate knowledge of how arts therapy can make a difference in the lives of those afflicted with the invisible wounds of war. Parsons hopes to have the book on shelves around the world, via military post locations by 2021.