Army Veteran Bonnie Larson (1984–2005) is a multimedia artist based south of Tucson, Arizona, who uses glass, watercolor, and fiber arts to transform lived experience into powerful visual storytelling. Her mixed media piece “But You Look Good” explores invisible wounds — including Military Sexual Trauma, wartime PTSD, and Trigeminal Neuralgia — while reflecting her journey toward healing and post-traumatic growth. Bonnie credits art with improving her mental health and values CAVARTS as a space for connection, creativity, and combating isolation.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, this Army National Guard Veteran turned to painting as a way to heal and process life’s challenges. After entering the military in 1997, an accident cut her service and her dream of becoming a doctor short. She went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical social work, channeling her resilience into both her profession and her art.

Raised in Annapolis and a Navy Veteran, this CAVARTists has led a creative life as a toy designer, inventor, illustrator, and former instructor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. His piece, Tough Bird (watercolor, pencil, marker), reminds us: Do wrong, and the right bird will eventually find you. He creates to capture the images in his imagination - often starting with a simple scribble and letting it take shape.

This month, we are proud to spotlight Army Veteran Karen Turk, whose powerful pyrography artwork transforms wood and flame into deeply personal storytelling. Through her piece Murder In The Wind, Karen shares a visual reflection of resilience, connection, and the strength found within the Veteran community.