On the Nov. 17, Veterans Day, a monument will be unveiled in Valdosta — a tribute to core military values and to the men and women who have served our nation. 

Designed by Thomasville artist Marty Haythorn, this public art project in the shape of a pentagon measures six feet high and six feet in diameter. A 40-square-foot mosaic work of art will cover the upper section, the military experience in both war and peace time with historical images fired on ceramic tiles. Individual members of the military from the region will be showcased, as well. Images will cover the Revolutionary War to the present. Additional tiles will be produced for the stars and stripes.

Recognition of the sacrifice of those who have served the nation has been the focus of monuments or memorials throughout the country. In addition to this recognition and the depiction of life in the military, the core military values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and commitment will be included.

Members of the Thomasville community have an opportunity to help create the mosaic section of this public art project during Open Studio at Thomasville Center for the Arts’ Studio 209 at 209 W. Remington Ave. Instruction and guidance will be provided by Haythorn. Sessions are free and open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m., July 17, July 27 and July 31 and from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Aug. 12.

Additional sessions may be added as needed to complete the project. There is no charge for these Open Studio sessions, but space is limited and registration is required. Open to anyone middle school age and older. Call (229) 221-3096 to register or visit thomasvillearts.org and click on “Events.”

Additional contributions to this project can be made by loaning photographs or digital images of relatives who have served in the military or of wartime scenes. Not all images will be used and any photographs or digital images loaned for this project imply permission to use them in this project and must be free of copyright protection.

This monument is sponsored by the City of Valdosta’s Public Art Advisory Committee with support from Thomasville Center for the Arts and Turner Center for the Arts.