By Cindy Washburn
Terra Nova Art Gallery is raising money to help a Utah artist ensure the preservation of memories of fallen U.S. soldiers through a benefit exhibit. The exhibit is part of Provo''s Gallery Stroll Friday night.
Terra Nova Art Gallery, 41 W. 300 North, Provo, is featuring the art of Kaziah Hancock, who paints portraits of men and women of the armed services who had lost their lives in the defense of their country.
'She started this just shortly after the start of the Iraq war, and just after the first Utahn ,' said David Hawkinson, owner of Terra Nova and long-time associate of Hancock.
Hancock began painting the portraits for the families of the fallen soldiers free of charge as a tribute to their memories.
'When I began painting fallen soldiers it was just a simple act of kindness from one human to another,' Hancock said in a news release. 'Since then the word has spread across the world.'
Before long, she had organized a non-profit group called Project Compassion. Families can contact the group and request a portrait of their loved ones, and as awareness has grown, so has the number of requests. The group has grown to a staff of seven, including four artists.
As the portraits are done at no cost to the families, the Project Compassion must provide the materials necessary to produce the portraits, and the artists themselves volunteer their talent and time. Hawkinson became aware of the constant need for more money to maintain Project Compassion, and the exhibit of Hancock''s work is his effort to support her cause.
'This is not a typical exhibit for us, because as a commercial gallery, we need to make a profit,' he said. 'But for this one, we are donating our commission of Kaziah''s artwork sold. This is our way of being able to support Kaziah and her project.'
The exhibit opens Friday and can be seen as part of Provo''s monthly first Friday of the month gallery strolls.