Afghan Sketch by Combat Artist Michael Fay. ©Michael Fay. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 5, 5:30pm

Join us on for a fascinating look at the little known world of the contemporary combat artist. Chief Warrant Officer Michael Fay, one of two official combat artists currently serving in the Marine Corps, will share stories of his experiences in the field through powerful artworks reflecting personal observations of military life in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In an age of instant messaging, digital photography, and embedded journalists, Michael Fay continues a tradition of combat art that has endured for centuries. The artist’s insightful drawings and watercolors place a human face on war, depicting Marines and Middle Eastern soldiers and civilians conducting the routine aspects of their lives under the most challenging circumstances. “My art articulates what is true and real about the actual experiences of war and warriers,” Fay notes. “My intent, especially in view of current events, is to give people…anothe insight as we all struggle to understand this unfolding drama called the War on Terrorism. It is also my hope that this experience, though grounded in realism, is more poetry than prose, and more art than journalism.”

Marine Chief Warrant Officer Michael Fay is a Reservist from Fredricksburg, Virginia. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he is the eldest son of a Marine officer who served before and during World War II. The artist began is tenure in the Marines from 1975 to 1978 as an infantryman and attained the rank of sergeant. After pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education from Pennsylvania State University, he re-enlisted and served on active duty for a decade, from 1983 to 1993. During this period, he participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and after a hiatus, became a combat artist with the Field History Detachment supporting the Historical Division of the Marine Corps in 2000. As an official Marine Corps combat artist, Fay has been mobilized for extended periods and has served several tours in Afghanistan and Iraq – most recently in June 2010.

Adults free with Museum admission, children to age 18 free. A reception with the artist will follow.

*Please note: the Carol Kino lecture originally scheduled for August 5 has been postponed. Watch this space for future updates.