The Portrait of a Veteran project comprises more than 40 portraits by artists throughout the metropolitan area, including Comet Bay College students.
The display will be on show at the college and will be officially opened by WA Governor Kerry Sanderson at the school’s Anzac Day service on April 28.
Project co-ordinator and defence transition mentor Claire Hunt said it highlighted the diverse range of veterans who have served and are still serving in the armed forces. She said it also challenged the perceptions of what veterans and serving ADF members look like.
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Among them was World War II veteran John James Wade, of Wattleup, who was recently involved in the re-launch of a book chronicling the history of the WA 2/28th Regiment which served in North Africa, New Guinea and Borneo.
Veterans visited the school’s auditorium for sittings in February and March.
“We held our first group portrait sitting on February 7 with invited artists, student artists and veterans,” Ms Hunt said.
“It was such a treat to be surrounded by such talented artists and so interesting to hear the stories of the veterans.”
Ms Hunt thanked project sponsors Defence Bank for donating canvases and framing costs. She said there were plans to hold a public exhibition later in the year, with the works auctioned off and all proceeds going to a not-for-profit organisation that supports local veterans.