The Master Sgt. Petry Chapter of the Association of the United States Army has teamed up with Studios on the Park to launch a unique artistic initiative titled “My Military Journey.” This collaborative effort aims to highlight the personal narratives of veterans, active service members, and defense department employees through visual art. The exhibition will be displayed from January 5 to February 1 in Paso Robles, with submissions accepted until November 1.

Open to a wide range of artistic mediums, the exhibit welcomes two- and three-dimensional works, including paintings, sculptures, woodcraft, and jewelry. Submissions must meet specific size and display requirements, ensuring they fit within the gallery’s space and can be safely exhibited. Curators—comprising veteran artists and chapter board members—will evaluate entries based on originality, artistic execution, and emotional impact. Accepted artists will be notified by November 11 and must deliver their pieces by early January.

Studios on the Park, a longstanding cultural hub in downtown Paso Robles, will host the month-long event, which aligns with Fort Hunter Liggett’s 85th anniversary celebration. Alongside the exhibition, related workshops and artist talks are planned to deepen public engagement. A portion of any sales generated will support local arts education programs for youth, reinforcing the community-driven mission behind the project.

Through this exhibition, military voices gain a powerful platform to express the complexities of service, resilience, identity, and transformation. Art serves as a universal language, offering civilians a window into the emotional realities of those who serve. By bridging experiences through creativity, the project fosters understanding, empathy, and unity between military and civilian communities.