Past Event

Roving Café Society: Transforming Trauma and a Culture of War

Is democracy on the march? Is the uprising in Egypt a catalyst for a global democratic movement for peace? How can we transform a culture of war? What are the connections between art, politics and resistance?

Come to this special free viewing of Intrusive Thoughts – an Exhibition of Work by Veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Global War on Terror at the National Veterans Art Museum. Intrusive Thoughts includes art created by at least 10 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans exploring themes of occupation and intrusion.

Then join us in a conversation led by artists and activists about the power of art in transforming a culture of war. Participants will have the opportunity to break down into small groups, view the exhibit together, and talk to each other Café Society style!

Iris M. Feliciano, Aaron Hughes, and Nada Shalaby will be our guest speakers.

Free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made online, via email at events@prairie.org or phone at 312.422.5580.

More on Guest Speakers:

Iris M. Feliciano is a Marine Corps veteran and a writer with the Warrior Writers Project, a national writing project for “veterans transforming their lives through art”. She also works at a Chicago-based non-profit agency where she assists transitioning veterans with employment and supportive services.

Aaron Hughes is a veteran, artist, and Chicago-based IVAW (Iraq Veterans Against the War) organizer.

Nada Shalaby is an interdisciplinary artist. Born in Cairo, she received a graduate degree in Middle East Studies at the American University in Cairo and recently completed an MFA degree in Art Theory & Practice at Northwestern University. Her work has been exhibited in the U.S. and Egypt. She currently lives and works in Chicago.

Free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made online, via email at events@prairie.org or phone at 312.422.5580.

If you need a sign interpreter or require other arrangements to fully participate, please call 312.422.5580. For parking locations near the facility, please visit ChicagoParkingMap.com.

Sponsored by the National Veterans Art Museum and The Public Square.