National Constitution Center’s Art Of The American Soldier

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — At a time when the United States remains involved in two conflicts overseas, the National Constitution Center has unveiled a very timely collection of art — created entirely by America’s fighting men and women. It’s an exhibit called Art of the American Soldier.

The Army first commissioned art during World War I to record history and to keep up soldier morale. Many of those art pieces have been in an Army basement away from the public until now.

Many Americans don’t realize that some soldiers on the front lines of war didn’t hold guns. They held paintbrushes and sketch pads.

“The Army for a very long time has actually commissioned artists to be in the field capturing soliders’ experience,” said Stephanie Reyer, director of exhibitions at the National Constitution Center.

For full story go to: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/