‘Invisible Wounds of War Made Visible’ Exhibit on Display Through July

LEEDS — Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for veterans, service members, and their families. June 7 was the opening day of the Home Base’s “Invisible Wounds of War Made Visible” exhibit at the VA Central Western Massachusetts Health Care System in Leeds. The exhibit will remain through July.

The exhibit is designed to bring community awareness to the experiences of service members. Providing civilians and service members alike a window into these experiences enhances an empathetic look at the invisible wounds of war. Making these invisible wounds visible allows the viewer to understand more deeply the impact of war on the individual and the continued sacrifices that linger long after a service member returns home. It is an opportunity for civilians to gain perspective and respect for soldiers. Additionally, it is an opportunity for fellow service members to see representation of themselves, knowing they are not alone, and help is available.

VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System’s Creative Arts Therapist Courtney Bennett holds open studios weekdays from 2:30 to 4:30 in Mountain Building 11, Room B2. Research shows that trauma and intense stress affect the language systems in the brain, making it difficult to talk about the experiences of trauma. Art and creative expression allow veterans to use a ‘language’ that does not rely on words alone.