East End Veterans Art of Healing Show at Bay Street Theater

Bay Street Theater will host an East End Veterans Art of Healing exhibition, running March 7 to April 13. The show will be mounted in the theater’s lobby area and a reception for the show will be held on Friday, March 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The work will be on view to the public during regular box office hours.

This exhibition celebrates the creative work of three East End veterans who employ art making as a strategy in their healing process from PTSD and other traumas. John Melillo, a disabled Vietnam veteran, has been sharing his Art of Healing journey with the community for many years. Joining him in the show will be two gifted women Veteran artists — Lisha Terry and Angelique Williams — who offer fresh and grounded work.

Lisha Terry is currently Commander of Westhampton American Legion Post 834. She found her talent in art while serving overseas and continues to use it as a source of healing and inspiration. Terry is very involved in her veteran community and finds solace in painting at local parades and events. In November 2024, she joined Melillo at a thanksgiving “Veteran Meals” giveaway.

Angelique Williams, a Navy veteran, served overseas and is involved with Paws of War, an organization that trains and places shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to U.S. military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war. She also has a service dog, Buddy, who was rescued from Kuwait. Williams is from the East End and has a talent for using her art for solace. Her charcoal pieces reflect her life experiences.

This show will provide a sense of comraderie throughout the community during its run. The community is invited to come support these veterans by attending the reception on Friday, March 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.