LORTON, Va. — The effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on this nation’s veterans can be devastating.
More than just loss of sleep, PTSD can cause once emboldened military warriors that served in combat overseas to lose their sense of self worth, to feel helpless and regretful — an illness debilitating enough to place them into hospitals to help treat the condition.
Talking about the effects of PTSD is tough, soldiers said, so many have turned to art to express their feelings, and to help share what’s going on inside their heads.
“I wanted to show that PTSD was taking over my life, but I wanted to make it pretty,” said Linsey Liu, an Army Corpsman who served two tours in Iraq.
Liu crafted a sculpture of her head, with the front of it showing regular features like a nose, eyes, and long stringy hair. But take the detachable faceplate off and the inside of the head — a red, tormented brain is revealed.
“With art, you get the freedom to say what you want to say without having to talk about it because, let’s face it, talking about it sucks,” said Liu.
She was one of several artists who are patients at Fort Belvoir’s Art Therapy program, an outpatient center that treats servicemen and women suffering from PTSD.
A growing form of treatment that has also expanded to Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland, the patients on Saturday put their work on display at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. It’s part of a new exhibit entitled “360 Degrees of Post Traumatic Stress” that features sculptures by local artists, all depicting how PTSD makes them feel.
The effort is part of the Combat Paper Project, which allows soldiers the ability to cut up their old uniforms worn in battle, beat them into a pulp forming a sheet of paper, and then use that paper to create art.
“When someone has trauma, it’s an experience that gets stuck in their heads as an image, not words, so this art is a way for them to get that image out,” said Eileen McKee, an Art Therapist at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.
Other sculptures included heads with pieces of the Army’s battle dress uniform, tiny guns, and words like “hero” written on the outside.
“Here is what everybody is supposed to see when they look at me. This sculpture shows how I really feel,” said Liu.
The exhibit will be on display through August 16 at the Workhouse Arts Center’s W-16 Gallery.
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Manassas city officials are discussing major redevelopment projects, particularly in Old Town, Mathis Avenue, and Fairview Avenue. According to the city council, these discussions come as multiple developers have expressed interest in city-owned properties, prompting the council to consider issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to attract large-scale investment. A key focus of the meeting was the Old Town Inn site, where city officials debated whether to prioritize a new hotel or a mixed-use project. The lack of parking downtown remains a significant challenge, and council members acknowledged that constructing a 300-space parking deck is critical to enabling future development.
Step back in time and experience history firsthand at Ben Lomond Historic Site in Manassas, VA. Built in 1832, this remarkable home once served as a Confederate field hospital during the Battle of First Manassas. Today, visitors can explore its preserved rooms, complete with Civil War-era graffiti left by Union soldiers, as well as the original slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy that tell the story of the people who lived and worked here.
Stroll Through History – Don’t miss the fragrant Rose Garden, featuring one of the largest collections of antique roses in the region.
Engaging Tours – Open Friday-Monday, 10 AM-4 PM, with guided tours at 11 AM and 2 PM. Admission: $5 per person, free for children under six.
Accessible Experiences – Enjoy 360° Virtual Tour tablets and foreign language guides in French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Spanish—available at no extra cost!
Volunteer With Us! – Love Civil War history or gardening? Join our team and help preserve this incredible piece of Prince William County’s past.
Visit us at 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 367-7872 | ? [email protected]
Plan your visit today and experience history like never before!
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Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega is pushing to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass project, a multi-year effort designed to alleviate congestion on Route 28 by extending Godwin Drive to connect Manassas with Dulles Airport. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors is set to vote on her resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The project, initially endorsed in September 2020, was meant to relieve congestion on Route 28 by constructing a four-lane divided bypass extending Godwin Drive across Sudley Road. The road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
