Through Feb. 29, the Creative Arts Guild in Dalton, Ga., is exhibiting artifacts from the Civil War that are part of the permanent collection of The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pa. This traveling exhibition, in association with the Smithsonian Institution, focuses on two main areas of artwork by armed servicemen, prisoners of war and veterans.
“The Art of War” illustrates how creating art in varying forms was a vital release for soldiers on both sides of the conflict. It filled the hours of waiting for either the horrors of battle or the agony of prison, disease or a slow death by starvation, according to organizers.
Whether it is the crudest of charcoal drawings on a letter or an intricate carving on a wooden powder horn, each piece tells the story of the life a soldier.
Among the artifacts in the show is a chain carved from a single beam of wood by a a Confederate prisoner at Fort McHenry in Baltimore; a patriotic drawing on a letter by Private Samuel Newell of Company D, 2nd U.S. Cavalry; an oil painting titled “Rush’s Lancer,” valued at $7,000 and referencing the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry; and powder horns and knives carved with various inscriptions such as “R.I.P.” and “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword.”
“As America prepares to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, our region has its own piece of history to share with not only our local community but also with a wider audience,” said Terry Tomasello, director of the guild.
In addition to “The Art of War,” the guild is exhibiting works by local artists who were inspired by the events of Civil War history. These pieces are interspersed with the historical artifacts to provide a telling contrast between techniques available 150 years ago and current digital and modern capabilities.
After the exhibit leaves the guild, it will be housed at Tunnel Hill Heritage Center from March 5 through April 17. From May 2 through June 30, visitors can see the exhibit at the Dalton Convention and Visitors Bureau. Admission is free at all three venues.
The Creative Arts Guild, 520 W. Waugh St., is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 706-278-0168.