Watch for the Signs

“VET INK: Tattoos Inspired by Military Service”

Opening on October 17, 2018, at the Coos History Museum

The Coos History Museum will present a new exhibit entitled VET INK: Tattoos Inspired by Military Service with an opening ceremony scheduled on Wednesday – October 17, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

Historically tattoos have many meanings as well as misconceptions. Traditionally military inspired tattoos depict the story of wars and battles and symbolize lost soldiers or achievements in service. Vet Ink: Tattoos Inspired by Military Service is an exhibition created to honor the more than 8,000 veterans who reside in Coos County, Oregon.

The exhibit features several local military personnel, active duty and retired, and the stories behind their military inspired tattoos. The exhibit takes a closer look at the story behind the “ink” – providing the men and women in the exhibit an opportunity to share some of their perspectives and experiences while serving in the military. The exhibit components include audio visual and a series of interpretive panels that feature photographs related to the individual and the unique story behind their ink.

VET INK: Tattoos Inspired by Military Service was created with the help of local professionals and businesses. Coast Metal Works, Inc., WOW arts & exhibits, Inner Sanctum Studios, and local photographer Aron Tyler all contributed to the exhibit. Vet Ink sponsors include Coast Metal Works, Inc., West Coast Contractors, Oregon Pacific Bank, Coos Bay – North Bend Rotary, and the City of Coos Bay, with additional support from KDOCK Radio and the Coos Bay Lions Club. The exhibit will run for 9 months, from October 17, 2018 through the summer of 2019, at the Coos History Museum. The interpretive panels will later be available for loan to local schools, museums, libraries, businesses, government offices and other public spaces. For more information, please visit the website at: www.cooshistory.org.

About the Coos History Museum:

The Coos History Museum creates a better understanding of life in Coos County and Oregon’s South Coast, past and present. The Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives no direct government support. The museum is supported by donations, memberships, grants, museum store sales, special event rentals, and legacy/bequest gifts. The Coos History Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, with additional evening hours on the First Tuesdays of February to June, and August to December, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Second Sunday of each month is a FREE ADMISSION DAY. General admission to the Coos History Museum is free for CHM members, active duty military, and NARM members. The Coos History Museum is a Member of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association, the American Alliance of Museums, and the American Association for State and Local History. The Coos History Museum is located on the waterfront along Highway 101, adjacent to downtown Coos Bay, at 1210 North Front Street, Coos Bay, Oregon. For more information, contact the Coos History Museum at 541-756-6320 or visit the website at www.cooshistory.org.

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