Modern art that makes sense.

By Allie Shah, Star Tribune

They are the faces of ordinary people forever changed by war. Twenty-two oil paintings, so far. Portraits of soldiers, peace activists, contractors and others who have had an up- close and personal view of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their faces and statements about their views are part of an intimate exhibit, called "100 Faces of War Experiences," that opens today at the St. Paul Central Library.
Artist Matt Mitchell, an Arden Hills native who lives in Massachusetts, says his goal is to find at least one person from each state to paint on his way to amassing 100 faces total. Already, two Minnesotans are featured.

The Rev. Tim Vakoc, the U.S. Army chaplain who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury after he was struck by a roadside bomb blast in Iraq; and Koufan Hersons, a U.S. Marine staff sergeant who served as an aviation mechanic in Fallujah in 2004. The Hmong serviceman was granted citizenship after he returned from his Iraq tour.

Mitchell said he came up with the idea two years ago because he wanted to learn more about what was happening in Iraq and Afghanistan from the people involved.

"The broadest goal is that people come away from the show and they can't help but talk and think about it," he said. "My hope is that they'll spend some more time thinking about what these wars mean."

What: An art exhibit featuring 22 portraits and statements from soldiers and others whose lives have been forever changed by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Matt Mitchell, the artist, aims to paint 100 faces and collect their stories.

When: Aug. 17-31; opening reception 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Where: St. Paul Central Library, 4th floor, 90 W. 4th St.

More info: Call 651-266-7000 or go to www.100 facesofwarexperience.org