Veterans Art Gallery
Creative Expression Shaped by Military Service
A Humble Gift of Gratitude: From Tragedy to Honor – The Artwork of Henry Kidd
Opening Memorial Day 2025
Perhaps the most compelling element of Henry Kidd’s one-man show in the Veterans Art Gallery at the Virginia War Memorial is his choice of canvas. Just as a litter represents the movement of the wounded under the most difficult of conditions, the scenes painted on these litters honor those who are wounded under the most tragic of circumstances. Born in 1950 in Petersburg, Virginia, Kidd is a lifelong resident of Colonial Heights, Virginia. He grew up playing on the battlefields surrounding Petersburg and has spent his life studying America’s military history in all conflicts. Kidd is a graduate of Virginia State University and served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a sergeant.
Kidd’s art has appeared in documentaries on the History Channel and on covers of many books and magazines. His artwork hangs in numerous prestigious institutions and museums. His accolades include an award from the American Red Cross and a personal thank you from General Schwarzkopf for a piece he created to honor Persian Gulf War fighting forces. Kidd donated all proceeds from the limited edition prints of that piece to the American Red Cross for the families of military personnel. A Joint House and Senate Resolution by the Virginia General Assembly recognized Kidd for his artwork and efforts aiding 9/11 victims.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this moving and deeply personal art in person. Visit the Henry Kidd exhibit in the Veterans Art Gallery and experience the stories of service and sacrifice captured through art.
We are pleased to be able to offer regular exhibitions of Veterans Art in the C. Kenneth Wright Pavilion. This space is a natural extension of our efforts to provide veterans a safe place, free from judgment and convention, to tell their stories in their own words and images.
Visiting the Veterans Art Gallery is free and the space is open during museum hours.
