Milwaukee resident Jim Finnerty served in the Vietnam War and, later in his life, was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As a form of therapy, Finnerty started painting.
Earlier this month, one of Finnerty's paintings, "The Year of The Monkey," placed second in the 2010 National Veteran's Art Competition. The contest drew 1,716 entries.
"I started painting again about five years ago to relax and to get me through stressful situations," says Finnerty. "I bury myself in my little room, turn on some Motown tunes and paint all night."
Later this month, an East Side art gallery, Caggio, 918 E. Brady St., will show a collection of Finnerty's abstract paintings. An opening reception -- in conjunction with Gallery Night & Day -- takes place Friday, July 23.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
