Fabric Graphics used here for reproduction of the original bunk canvas.

This fabric graphics exhibit is particularly unique because the curator chose the material to emulate the original materials. Most fabric graphics exhibits are chosen to add to the environment, in this instance it’s used to duplicate the original environment. The history behind Vietnam Graffitti is particularly precious to us because it it one man’s effort to preserve and present a part of the rich history of our country for this particular environment. Here is our story about this fabric graphics exhibit.

Art Beltrone’s enthusiasm is contagious and his story is rich. My company had the privilege of providing the reproduction fabric graphics to preserve the appearance the canvas bunkers in “Vietnam Graffiti.” Through the gift of dye sublimation transfer fabric graphics and high resolution digital captures, we were able to provide Art with the exact solution he was seeking! We provide temporary storage space to this exhibit in our warehouse facilities. It our hope, with the Beltrones, the one day a more permanent, suitable home will be found for this part of history! In the meanwhile, it’s been our privilege and honor to be close to such an exhibit, one which honors our Vietnam vets. The owner of PhotoWorksGroup is a Vietnam era vet, who served as a reconaissance photographer in the Navy. We wish nothing but continued success to Art and Lee Beltrone, and the future experience of “Vietnam Graffit.”

I  had the chance to listen to Art Beltrone and hear him speak about his life’s passion: the exhibit called Vietnam Graffiti, “Marking Time: Voyage to Vietnam.” He was in our facility to faithfully sorting parts of this travelling exhibit, while preparing them for the next leg of their journey. The artifacts of this exhibit were accidentally discovered while researching the look of authentic military ships, preparing for the filming of “The Thin Red Line.” Art Beltrone is a maritime artifact historian and had been contacted by Jack Fisk to review the contents in order to help re-create a movie set. This particular ship, the General Nelson M. Walker, was part of the fleet which transported our soldiers to Vietnam, a nearly 7,000 mile trek. Mr. Beltrone had the expertise and vision to take note of the abandoned artifacts, which are the canvas bunkers. Motivated through their own efforts and interests in military history, Art and his wife, Lee, were to become the unexpectant guardians of this invaluable piece of American history. These canvas bunkers are filled with writings and graffiti, expressing the soldiers’ anxiety, love, boredom while being reflective of the current culture of that time. The exhibit is full of rich detail, and has many tales to reveal once you spend a little time looking into the graffiti and the messages. One can begin to imagine what times were like during the Vietnam War era and spending it in those small, hot bunker spaces heading out into the unknown!

The Beltrones have made it their mission to preserve and share this marvelous piece of history, while honoring and uniting Vietnam era vets and their extended families. They continually seek out ways to gather more sensory details which surround and expand this exhibit, which ultimately deepens one’s understanding of this special time. Although the Beltrones may be from the Vietnam period themselves, they are not showing signs of slowing down. They have great thoughts and plans for expansion on the future of their website, as well as continually seeking other opportunities of the digital age of information sharing. This multi-faceted exhibit is one you should not miss when it comes to your area. For more information, visit their website @ www.vietnamgraffiti.com

We were happy to become the PSP of fabric graphics for this special exhibit. For more information about fabric graphics, please call 1800-829-4562 or visit www.photoworksgroup.com