Operation Art: A Salute to Veteran Artists

Peralta resident Patricia Gallegos is among the 33 members of New Mexico Veterans Art who will exhibit work in “Operation Art: A Salute to Veteran Artists, opened May 13 at the Placitas Community Library. The exhibition continues through Thursday, June 12.

Gallegos, a painter and potter, is former president of NMVA and currently serves as its membership chair. She attended paratrooper training at Ft. Benning, Ga., and was assigned to Ft. Meade, Md., for three years, followed by four years active duty in the military police corps.

After active duty, Gallegos returned to her home city, Albuquerque, changing her specialty to quartermaster because there were no MP units locally. While in the Reserves, she worked in logistical planning for large military missions, military intelligence and physical fitness, with tours of duty in Germany and South Korea.

She retired with a rank of major from the U.S. Army in 1999.

NMVA artists will host a public reception from 5-7 p.m, Friday, May 23, at the library, 453 N.M. 165, Placitas. The reception begins with a Presentation of Colors by the Women Veteran Warriors Color Guard of Albuquerque.

NMVA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and showcasing the creative talents of military personnel — past and present — and their families.