STOCKBRIDGE, MASS.- The sacrifices made by our nation’s military are many, and often the emotional scars continue long after these soldiers have left the battlefield. A new exhibition offers artist commentary on the military, patriotism, and the struggles that many veterans face upon their re-entry into civilian life. "Love a Vet: Honoring Our Veterans" is on view at Norman Rockwell Museum from November 7, 2015 through January 5, 2016. The Museum has partnered with Berkshire Bank to provide free admission for U.S. veterans and active military through the run of the exhibition; tickets are available at Berkshire Bank locations throughout the region.

"We are proud to be able to sponsor this important exhibition and provide veterans with free admission at Norman Rockwell Museum," notes Mike Daly, CEO of Berkshire Bank, which is also launching its own personal and business services program for those who have served in the U.S. military. "This is only the beginning of what I think we can do to say thank you to these brave men and women."

"Love a Vet" features paintings, drawings and prints by a diverse group of contemporary illustrators; many of the artists have been involved in the military themselves, or have previously documented the activities of others who have served. The exhibition was organized by Ella Rue, an award-winning graphic designer and artist living in Califon, New Jersey, whose son is a veteran of both the Iraq and Afghan wars. Ms. Rue set up the nonprofit "52 Reasons to Love a Vet" to help veterans further their education and assist with medical, dental, or mental health resources, and invited artist friends to create and donate an original visual statement illuminating their thoughts on war and the service of veterans; prints of the artwork have been sold in the form of playing cards to benefit the restricted fund.

Artists whose work is featured in the exhibition include: Gail Anderson, Scott Bakal, Jim Bennet, Steve Brodner, Joe Ciardello, Dennis Dittrich, Jeff Fisher, Stephen Gardner, Bri Hermanson, Victor Juhasz, David Keefe, Tina LeMay, William Low, Angela Martin, Melanie Reim, Edel Rodriguez, Yuko Shimizu, Mike Wimmer, and Jime Wimmer.

"We are pleased to present the art of so many of America’s most accomplished illustrators," adds Norman Rockwell Museum’s Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Stephanie Plunkett. "This exhibition highlights the power of visual imagery to inspire new consideration of an important social concern — the health and immense sacrifice of America’s veterans."