Schuylkill sculptor places 2nd in national veterans arts competition
LEBANON — A Schuylkill County artist was honored for his inspirational work recently at a ceremony in the Lebanon VA Medical Center.
Martin Heffron, 54, placed second in the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition, a nationwide event conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The sculpture, entitled 'Adamantius Transpersonal Aspiration,' received a first place award at the regional level, entitling Heffron to compete nationally.
He also received first place awards in woodworking, inspirational writing and watercolor painting at the regional level, which is the area covered by the Lebanon VA Medical Center.
An abstract expressionist work forged from recycled cast iron, 'Adamantius Transpersonal Aspiration' depicts an eagle in flight or landing, depending on the viewer's perspective.
'The title translates to an attitude extending beyond the limits of hope to achieve something greater, Heffron said. 'I hope it inspires people to do more.'
Martin Heffron's abstract sculpture won second place in the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER)
The VA uses creative arts as a form of rehabilitation to help veterans recover from physical and emotional trauma. Eligible veterans compete in creative arts, including sculpting, painting, dance and drama. Winners at the regional level are entered in the national competition.
Doug Etter, chief communications officer, said the Lebanon VA is grateful to have such talented artists in its region.
'We are incredibly honored to recognize the veterans who have shared their artistic talent with us,' Etter said. 'Art can be a powerful tool for healing, self expression and connection.'
A former U.S. Army military police officer and member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Heffron was commissioned to cast a bronze bust of four-Star Gen. George Joulwan, a Pottsville native who served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. The bust is displayed near the Schuylkill County Historical Society in Pottsville.
Martin Heffron, center, is with Navy veeteran Michael Roberson, left, and Marine Corps veteran Kevin Michaels at the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition awards at the Lebanon VA Health Center. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER)
Heffron's inspirational art for veterans coincides with his religious art.
His Baptism of Christ hangs in the sanctuary at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pottsville. The Sacred Heart of Jesus, a wall-mounted relief, was dedicated at the Simon Kramer Cancer Institute in 2024.
His depiction of the Life of Christ is in Polish National Church, Scranton.
'I am personally motivated by the life of Christ,' Heffron said at the dedication. 'I take a pretty deep interest in him.'
Emily Schuler, creative arts specialist, runs the National Veterans Creative Arts program at the Lebanon VA Health Center. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER)
Heffron, who began sculpting in his 20s, holds an associate's degree in fine arts from Keystone College in La Plume, Lackawanna County; and a bachelor's in fine arts from Alfred University in New York.
In a converted barn at Stein's Mill, between Branchdale and Llewellyn, he works in a variety of mediums, including clay, wood and metal.
A wooden replica of a Pottsville Maroons football, crafted by Heffron, is on display at the Schuylkill County Historical Society for the team's 100th anniversary.
Heffron's Pennsylvania Anthracite Coal Miners Memorial in Forest City, which he says is the largest of its kind in the world, is dedicated to 'those who built our small town, labored and died in the anthracite industry.'
The Century Association of New York City recently included Hefron's miniature watercolors in its 'Miniature Collection: 1942 to Present.'
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