More than just a painting
This mural project was a true labor of love, conceived by Navy reservist and Legion member Richard Rodriguez Jr. and completed by Retired USAF Master Sergeant Patrick Sargent and volunteers.
The mural highlights young veterans and some local military monuments. The hope is that younger veterans see that they are recognized and respected, and welcome at the post.
the process
Home Depot - picking up supplies
Home Depot - picking up supplies
Mock up of the final design used to create the mural
Delivery of the lift that we didn't use - not able to get close enough to wall.
Beginning the sketch of the design using a projector
Sketching the design using a projector
Patrick Rouleau of Arlington helping out by sketching
Post Commander, Richard Rodriguez also sketching
Sketching the design using a projector
Sketching the design using a projector
Sketch coming together
Sketch coming together
Day two - setting up the supplies
Day two progress
Day two progress - Patrick Rouleau and Richard Rodriguez
ABout the project
Location
American Legion, Post 139 at 3445 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA
Artist
Patrick Sargent (Owner Sargent-Thamm Printmakers)
- Shares Studio at Torpedo Factory, Adjunct Art Professor at George Mason, Booz Allen Employee
- Retired USAF Master Sergeant, Used GI Bill to get Bachelors/Masters in Fine Art after 9/11
Volunteers
- Richard Rodriguez (Post 139 Commander) - met during classes at George Mason - also using GI Bill for art education
- Patrick Rouleau (Assistant Coordinator) - Ballston Resident
- Bella Rodriguez
- Max Rodriguez
- Various Community members
Project overview
22 ft x 15 ft painted mural on the side of the new Post 139 building in Arlington, started about a year and half ago during the finals stages of construction. Designs were approved by the post executive committee, project architects and local government. The image is painted with acrylic paint on a composite surface and will be sealed with an anti-graffiti coating when completed. The image depicts representative images of legion members belonging to the local community, the back midground images represent each of the branches of service highlighted by unique memorials for each (most of which are in Arlington, except the Navy and the Satellite) Looking past Arlington you see the skyline of Washington DC in the distance. Post 139 and Arlington support Veteran needs and is seen as a gateway to the nation's capital