Opening Reception: Land of the Free, Home of the Brave by Franklin Mendez

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave 
by Franklin Mendez

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave is an exhibit of portraits by Franklin Mendez, an Austin-born Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran, master painter, and board member for veterans' suicide prevention efforts. His extensive portrait series documents local veterans, including projects featuring his Vietnam veteran meetup group and Mexican American veterans. 

On November 7th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Franklin Mendez invites the public in celebration of his exhibit and of the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

Enjoy light refreshments, live music, speakers, and art exhibit viewing. There will be a veterans ofrenda (altar) honoring the lives of veterans. Members of the public can contribute to the atlar, meet the artist, and learn about his work with veterans suicide prevention.

Artist Statement from Franklin Mendez
"My art career started early in second grade, I was given the opportunity to paint a girl swinging from a tree branch. I was not fully aware where this opportunity would take me. I wanted to create my first painting, and it turned into a life-long career in art.

Land of the Free Home of the Brave is an exhibit of portraits that commemorate all American Veterans from 1776 to 2026. It honors the men and women who have served in uniform in time of war during our past 250 years to secure the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy today.

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