Portrait of a Soldier
September 11 - October 5, 2021
A moving exhibit featuring more than 300 hand-drawn portraits of fallen heroes, Illinois service members killed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries around the globe since 9/11. This collection of graphite portraits was created beginning in 2004 by artist Cameron Schilling, with additional portraits added by father an daughter artists Donald and Kiana Jeremiah. Portrait of a Soldier has traveled the state and opened at Arlington Heights Memorial Library on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, following a Remembrance Ceremony at neighboring First Presbyterian Church which honored the fallen and recognized Illinois Gold Star families.
During the Portrait of a Soldier exhibit at AHML, community members of all ages were invited to write letters of thanks and draw pictures for deployed troops, veterans, wounded heroes and caregivers. These were delivered via Operation Gratitude.
Portrait of a Soldier was made possible by Governor Pat Quinn, SALUTE, INC., Arlington Heights Memorial Library, First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights American Legion Post 208, John Hersey High School, St. Viator High School and American Airlines Veteran Military Employee Business Resource Group.
On September 24, 2021, AHML was honored to bring together portrait artists Cameron Schilling, Donald and Kiana Jeremiah for the first time. View a recording of their conversation about their personal connections to this project.
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