Jerry and Peggy Brown share a “pop art” experience with veterans.
From a career in Navy research, to medical mission trips in places around the world, the Browns met a need in their work in creating a soap product to distribute, and then shared an additional and creative benefit – art-making using soap.
After retirement, Jerry and Peggy Brown, who both worked at a Navy Research lab, participated in medical mission trips with the Virginia Baptists, to the Republic of Panama, and with Volunteers in Medical Missions at Clemson University, to the Dominican Republic (DR). In both cases they helped count meds prescribed by the doctors. Having seen the patients’ sanitation conditions on the first trip, Jerry began formulating and making soap that they gave away in these countries. Additionally, he and Peggy taught soap making at a DR Christian school that sold the soaps to raise funds.
Over time, Jerry created a soap-based artist paint to make designs on the soaps, and on other surfaces as well. He particularly liked some “Pop Art” creations seen on You-Tube where one can make simple and beautiful abstract designs using small chains or fingers. His paint has the texture of acrylic but is easy to work with and clean up, so it was especially good for this type of art.
In recent years Jerry has volunteered with Art for the Journey’s Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program conducted at Saint Mary’s Woods, and then became acquainted with AFJ’s veterans program and the work led by Melba Gibbs, Community Engagement Coordinator and Veterans Program Leader. Jerry has supported that organization’s programs at the Richmond V.A. Hospital for several years as a volunteer. He found the veterans there to be very positive, proud of their service, helpful to each other, and appreciative of the programs. After demonstrating his soap paint and art creations to several veterans, and with the support of Melba and Reilly Paz of the V.A, Jerry was invited to lead a program in 2026. On March 11, Jerry and Peggy, with many volunteer assistants, taught 21 veterans to create beautiful Pop Art! The medium of soap paint was a first for Art for the Journey staff, volunteers and participants. The vibrant colors and bold designs made for a positive program for togetherness, exploration, creative expression and well-being.
Art for the Journey is inspired greatly by the extraordinary volunteers that deliver our mission, the Browns are no exception. We are grateful they “give back” in such a creative way, especially with the brave veterans with whom we are honored to serve.
Programs such as our veterans art program are made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Disabled Veterans Foundation, the Creative Forces Grant funding, and the generosity of people like you, and volunteers like Jerry and Peggy Brown!
More than 500 volunteers have shared their time and talent to support our community with Art for the Journey! Join us!
