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Location: Iwo Jima Room

David E. Richardson

David E. Richardson, a recently retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, is an artist who is known for his abstract style and use of vibrant colors and large geometric forms. While his paintings have hints of military inspiration and symbolism, he has said, “I want to create something beautiful. To me, there are enough disturbing and ironic things in life.”

From Waterford, Michigan, Richardson was taught to draw and paint at an early age by his mother, an artist and teacher.  Richardson studied biology and art while attending Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas.  Although his primary medium is oil, he also works in acrylic and metal.  His latest works, the Shotgun Paintings, on view as part of this exhibition, are derived from his war experience.

The Army and Navy Club Library Trust Fund is honored to have Colonel Richardson’s artwork on display in the John Paul Jones and Iwo Jima rooms beginning on Thursday, March 9. The exhibit will open with a reception at 6:30 pm followed by artist’s remarks and a conversation between attendees and the artist himself.

Organized in partnership with the Army and Navy Club Special Events Committee.

www.DERichardson.com

100 Years in the Making

The exhibition explores the fascinating and unusual history of this long-awaited memorial, as well as lesser known stories about the American home front during the War—including wartime events at The Army and Navy Club. The show brings together architectural design plans, drawings and process photos of the proposed sculpture,  and an original architectural model of the memorial, along with historic photographs and more. The opening and closing events will feature the 10-foot long scale model of the monumental sculpture designed by Sabin Howard, the foremost practitioner of and authority on modern classical sculpture.

Pivot Point

Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield were the first major foreign crises for the United States after the end of the Cold War. The successful completion of Desert Storm was one of the swiftest in history, which restored the American military to prominence after years of disrepute in the aftermath of Vietnam.

On view in this exhibition, the memorial’s plans, drawings, and designs offer an inspiring vision for the forthcoming memorial.

Approved by Congress and the President in March 2017 and slated for completion in 2021, the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial will honor and commemorate the events of The Persian Gulf War. The Memorial will be built across from the Vietnam War Memorial at Constitution and 23rd St NW, just north of the Lincoln Memorial.

This exhibition was produced in collaboration with The National Desert Storm War Memorial Association. Please note that the project is still in the development stages, which will lead to changes in the final memorial design.