As You Were

As You Were

August 24- November 11, 2026

Curators: Captain (Ret) Moira McGuire, with Jeffrey Kenney, Associate Curator, Mason Exhibtions

This exhibition features the work of thirty-one artists encompassing veterans, family members, and caregivers. The veterans were all on active duty during the post-911 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Through painting, handmade paper, sculpture, photography, poetry, weaving, glass, video, mixed media, and architecture, these artists offer insights into ways creativity, artistry, and reflection shape personal transformation for veterans and their loved ones–and for the audience. 

The exhibition tells a story of transformation—of warriors who have put down their weapons and picked up tools of creativity: paintbrushes, looms, paper pulp, cameras, and pens. Through these and other tools, they navigate life after service, process trauma, and build bridges back to themselves, their families, and to society. 

About the Curator: CAPT (Ret) Moira G. McGuire was a nurse officer with the U.S. Public Health Service with more than three decades of leadership in federal healthcare systems, integrative wellness programs, and national public health initiatives. She was Program Manager for Warrior Clinic at Walter Reed Bethesda from 2010-2014, coordinating care for combat-injured service members.  She established the Arts in Health Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the first of its kind within the Military Health System. She is an adjunct professor in Mason’s Arts Management program, having taught alongside Professor Niyati Dhokai,  Director of Mason’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative.