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Community Corner

Navy SEAL Gallery Show and Fundraiser

On June 6, 2014, Crystal City based Gallery Underground will play host to Transgender former Navy Seal Kristin Beck and Alexandria, VA based The 296 Project for whom Kristin is a spokesperson. 

The 296 Project advocates for, provides resources for, and otherwise promotes all forms of art and expressive therapy as a means to coping with the painful after effects of war, notably PTSD and TBI. As Kristin Beck is a 20 year veteran of The US Navy and the Navy SEALs, her PTSD diagnosis and 90% disability rating has had a frightening impact on her welfare in the past, Kristin is public about her art having kept her from suicide on more than one occasion and the very same portfolio of artwork is what attendees will see on display at Gallery Underground on June 6th. 

The gallery show and silent auction is a fundraiser for The 296 Project and is expected to draw a few hundred visitors, Ms. Beck will be addressing the crowd personally and will be on hand for the rest of the evening to talk with guests about each painting and what it means to her. Along with Senior Chief Beck, speakers include nationally renowned Expressive Therapy experts and industry leaders such as Donna Betts and Tally Tripp from George Washington University. 

Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) who is unable to attend has written a letter he asked to be read during the evening.

Free wine and beer will be served to patrons over 21 years of age as well as catering by Jaleo of Crystal City.

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Tickets for the June 6th event are $15 and can be purchased at: www.the296project.org.

The entire show will run June 2-28, 2014 at Gallery Underground.  Gallery Underground is located in the Crystal City Shops, 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202, 571-483-0652, info@galleryunderground.orgwww.galleryunderground.org.

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