All-Female Veterans Art Project Coming to Dearborn

The all-female veterans art project titled “Walk a Mile in her Boots" opens Friday, Aug. 16 at VFW Post 78 in Dearborn Heights.

The art project features combat boots decorated by female veterans to signify their time in the military.

“VFW Post 78 is honored to host this exhibit and to help bring awareness to the issues female veterans face,” said George E. Wells, commander of VFW Post 78. “We want to let female veterans know we are a valuable resource in their community and strive to serve them and continue to give thanks to them for their service.”

The boots are like canvases covered with colors and slogans and decals, all telling powerful stories. The idea is to raise awareness through a traveling display about the issues facing female veterans, and to publicize the Great Lakes Stand Down for Female Veterans event on Sept. 16 in Lansing. The display will also be exhibited in Grand Rapids this fall.

“It’s an opportunity for them to take pride in being a female veteran,” said Heather Nystrom, senior manager of social services for Volunteers of America Michigan. “Many women don’t identify themselves as veterans, and this is a way to do so.”

The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The VFW Post 78 is located at 25620 Van Born Road in Dearborn Heights.