Articles
This fall, Humanities Texas unveiled a new traveling exhibition, Tom Lea: Brushstrokes from the Frontlines of World War II. Developed in partnership with El Paso's Tom Lea Institute, the exhibition features thirty-six framed prints depicting scenes of World War II that Lea captured while working as LIFE magazine's first Accredited War Artist-Correspondent. Lea's harrowing images of combat are among the most widely recognized war paintings in the world today.
Brushstrokes from the Frontlines made its inaugural appearance in November at the Emergence Health Network (EHN) Veterans One-Stop Center in El Paso. The EHN is dedicated to helping active-duty service members, veterans, and their families by providing streamlined access to essential support services in one centralized location. In December, members of Humanities Texas's exhibitions team spoke with Noreen Jaramillo, director of communications for EHN, about the organization's work and why they chose to host the new exhibition of Lea's work.
Interview with Director of Communications Noreen Jaramillo
Please tell us about your organization.
Emergence Health Network (EHN) is the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) and Local Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Authority (LIDDA) for El Paso County, Texas, providing a wide range of integrated behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and developmental disability services. Clinical services include counseling, PTSD treatment, peer support, training programs, and connections to community resources for the residents in El Paso County.
What is the most important thing people should know about your work?
Our mission is rooted in delivering high-quality, compassionate care, which includes being equally devoted to raising awareness about the importance of caring for our mental well-being. For sixty years, EHN has proudly served our community, and our dedicated mental health professionals remain committed to supporting individuals with their mental health and substance use treatment needs.
What made you interested in the Tom Lea exhibition?
El Paso native Tom Lea is a deeply significant figure in our community, and his powerful paintings resonate with many of the clients at our Veterans One Stop Center. Mental health professionals often use his artwork to help veterans process experiences related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Discussing the art rather than personal memories directly can make it easier for veterans to express their emotions. Many see their own feelings reflected in Lea's work, offering them a sense of understanding and validation. When we learned about the traveling exhibition, it felt only natural to feature it in the clinic that serves our military community
How have visitors responded to the exhibition?
We have received incredible feedback about the exhibition. Clients visiting the Veterans One Stop Center for therapy often spend a meaningful amount of time walking through and viewing the artwork. Some have even become emotional while looking at the pieces, an experience that has opened the door to important and healing conversations. Being part of this project has truly been an honor.
Tom Lea: Brushstrokes from the Frontlines of World War II is available to reserve now through the Humanities Texas traveling exhibitions program. To learn more about bringing it to your community, please contact our exhibitions coordinator at exhibitions@humanitiestexas.org.