March, 2026 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature #1: Anthony Malherek
U.S. Air Force Veteran Anthony combines his love of the outdoors with photography and music, often bringing his camera along on fly-fishing trips across mid-Missouri. His photograph Bennett Bridge, taken at Bennett Springs State Park, captures one of his favorite fishing spots and reflects his long-standing fascination with bridges and natural landscapes.
Photography offers him a way to focus, slow down, and support his mental health through careful attention to detail. Through CAVARTS, he enjoys sharing his work, trying new creative challenges, and encouraging fellow Veterans to step outside their comfort zones.
Name:
Anthony Malherek
Branch of Service:
USAF
About:
Air Force Vet who enjoys photography and playing guitar. I enjoy fly fishing and there are usually some great opportunities for amazing photos where I fish. I am in Mid Missouri.
Title of Piece:
Bennett Bridge
Medium of Piece:
Photography
Piece:
Meaning behind piece:
I have always been drawn to bridges and this photo was taken at one of my favorite places to fly fish here in Missouri - Bennett Springs State Park.
What inspires you to create art?:
The love of outdoors and the love of my Canon SLR
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
The concentration involved and attention to detail really help me get out of my own head and helps with my mental health.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
The great thing about photography is it is never the same thing twice. I love a challenge and I really love the challenge of night photography.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
If I’m out and about and see something that I really feel inspired by I will stop and take a photo with my iPhone and if I’m happy with what I’m looking at, I will decide what times of day will be best and come back with my SLR and my gear and get to work.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
A safe place to share and help inspire me to try new things.
Our monthly theme is Sunny DIY Days, but Anthony submitted this back in November when we were celebrating Fall Leaves & Trees. Here’ s what he had planned for the month:
Walk in the woods with my SLR
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Without Guitars 4 Vets I would have never made it on stage playing in front of an audience at church! I will be doing an open mic by this summer. There is so much offered to us in CAVARTs.
