John Melillo’s ‘Life Goes On Part 4’ Opens August 9 at SCC

John Melillo, a disabled Vietnam veteran and artist who uses painting as a solace to deal with his PTSD condition, returns to the Southampton Cultural Center with “Life Goes On Part 4,” an art and video exhibition running August 9 through 25. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, August 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. with the organization Paws of War. On Sunday, August 25, from 1 to 4 p.m., Pal-O-Mine Equestrian will share information on its therapeutic equine military program, which uses horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing.

Melillo’s exhibition is a continuation of his work honoring “King,” the canine with whom he partnered in Vietnam. The dog not only saved Melillo’s life but he and King became so close that they almost functioned as one.

“Over 50 years later, I think about him every day and so in supporting organizations like Paws of War, which rescues and pairs service dogs with veterans and first responders, is a continuation to honor King and show the importance of canines and animals. Plus Pal-O-Mine, which works to provide solace for veterans with horses.”

On view in the show will be a series of paintings featuring heroic horses and service dogs inspired by Melillo’s interviews with the organizations that help others dealing with the same PTSD infirmity as he is. The show will also feature a video of Melillo visiting the organizations and learning about their work.

Also on view will be a series of Melillo’s new East End paintings, based on his perspective growing up in Southampton, Water Mill and Sagaponack where his family can be traced back to the 1890s.

“Getting to the know the East End circa 1950 has served as a great original wellspring for my inspiration and paintings today,” Melillo said.

For more details, visit scc-arts.org. Southampton Cultural Center is at 25 Pond Lane in Southampton.