17th Distinguished Artist Veterans Exhibit

About this event

The 17th Annual Distinguished Artist Veterans Exhibit, presented by Art Spark Texas, comes to the Houston Public Library's Central Library, spotlighting Houston and Texas-local veteran and active-duty artists. This year's theme, Service, Practice, Voice, celebrates veteran creativity through diverse 2D and 3D artworks, honoring artistic practice that is shaped by military experience, but not defined by it. This year's highlights include artist Denise Knebel, a leader of Art Spark Texas's veterans program since its inception, exhibiting a three-painting series; sculptor Lenie Caston-Miller, an Army veteran, presenting ceremonial stoneware pieces exploring ritual and transformation; and artist Timothy Colomer, rendering protective gear as portraiture. We would also like to honor the memory of Chris Van Loan, Sr. who passed in September, and was unable to be a part of the exhibition. About Art Spark Texas Art Spark Texas champions accessibility in the arts through multidisciplinary programming, advocacy, and collaboration. They spark meaningful change in the cultural landscape by supporting the creative growth of people with disabilities, empowering them to explore, create, and lead with confidence and strength. Art Spark Texas' veteran arts program has produced veteran workshops, exhibits, artist talks, and meetings for nearly 20 years. The Distinguished Artist Veterans Exhibit has moved from Texas city to Texas city to highlight artists in the local area - with the 2026 exhibit taking place at Houston's Central Library. This year, we are honored to present our 17th Annual Distinguished Artist Veterans Exhibit with the theme of Service, Practice, Voice, highlighting diverse veteran artists from Houston and across Texas. Want to see more FREE exhibits at HPL? Visit for suggested reading for this exhibition and information about current and upcoming exhibits. And don't forget to sign up for our monthly Exhibits Newsletter !