Two-year images mission honoring 20 native veterans opens in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – An exhibit that includes 20 native veterans opened Friday on the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, combining black and white images and written accounts to mark 250 years of American independence.

The show, titled “It’s Not Black and White,” was created by artist Charlie Baggett over two years. Each portrait and accompanying written piece displays how a veteran’s navy service formed their life.

Baggett stated the images seize one thing constant throughout the topics.

“One thing they will see is that the eyes don’t change. The one thing that does change about the eyes is the seriousness. They went through a lot when they served,” Baggett stated.

The exhibit opened Friday night as a part of Wilmington’s Fourth Friday Art Walk. Baggett stated she hopes guests depart with a deeper understanding of the veterans’ experiences.

“It just seemed like it was never going to get here. Today is the day. I am hoping that many people will get the chance to walk in here and see this exhibit and to learn,” Baggett stated.

“It’s Not Black and White” runs via Aug. 22 at Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens.

The veterans honored are: David Joseph DeAndrea, Carol Ann Wise Fesser, Willie Lavander Gore, John William Hacker, Bruce Harry Hackert, Maria Chahl Horton, Kristopher Allen James, Allen Neal Keller, Kobe Terence Kelley, Patricia Comeau Kelley, Justin Henry Kornegay, Eric Ray Mens, Robert Max Rudolph, Charles Richard Sewell, Deborah Lindert Shaw, Hubert Seely Shaw, Thomas Francis Sullivan, David Patrick Tousignant, Billy Turner, and George Van Vekoven.