In 2016, The American Fallen Soldiers Project National Gallery opened its doors with 5,000 square feet of gallery and office space. The project was borne of an idea that professional artist, Phil Taylor, had upon learning that his childhood friend, Capt. Blake Russell, had been killed in Iraq in 2006. Inspired by stories of Blake’s patriotism and courage during the funeral, Phil knew that he wanted to contribute to the Russell family’s healing process, so he painted a portrait of his childhood friend for them.
The family’s reaction to the portrait changed Phil’s life forever and he began the American Fallen Soldiers Project. Since its inception in 2007, over 220 portraits have been painted and presented as a gift to Gold Star families of fallen soldiers all over the country at no cost to the families.
To keep the gallery costs down for this very special project, Bomanite Licensee, Texas Bomanite discounted the retail price as a donation towards the project’s success and was honored to be part of this special space. The decorative concrete floors consisted of 3,040 square feet of Bomanite Concrete Dye in Black Orchid using the Bomanite Patène Teres system polished to a 400 grit. The Polyurea Joint Filler was in the color Gauntlet Grey. The strength and durability of the polished concrete floors is a perfect, permanent, custom finish for the gallery.
The beautiful elegant American Soldiers Fallen Project is a place of peace and solace through art and displays in a setting of inspiration and healing. An especially poignant display is an American flag with the stripes covered by photos of the fallen. In his portraiture work, Phil Taylor takes special care in not only capturing the features but the actual essence of the fallen soldier he is painting. It is not just a typical portrait painting, but more the life and energy, the appearance and the personality, of the person represented on canvas. By telling the stories of those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice, the gallery strives to change the lives of generations to come. It truly is a Portrait Gallery Like No Other.
Vizient Honors Fallen Soldier Dane Balcon through American Fallen Soldiers Project (2018)
Vizient, in collaboration with American Fallen Soldiers Project, are honored to commemorate Army Specialist Dave Balcon who died while conducting combat operations in Iraq. To honor Balcon, Vizient presented his family with a portrait of Dane painted by artist, Phil Taylor, founder of the American Fallen Soldiers Project. We thank Dane for his service to our country as he dedicated his life to protecting the freedoms we all enjoy. To learn more about this year’s award visit newsroom.vizientinc.com or americanfallensoldiers.com.
BOMANITE 