Duckworth salutes female vets’ artwork in Elgin

Artwork by two female veterans is featured in Elgin ArtSpace Lofts’ newest exhibit, which includes a display about the contributions of female veterans from 1775 to present.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth was the keynote speaker Friday evening at “Salute to Women Veterans: Past and Present” held at the gallery. The project is the brainchild of veteran and ArtSpace resident James Harvey.

“When you think of a veterans you think of a man, but in actuality women are veterans also. They’re mothers, they’re workers, they’ve been in combat,” he said. “I do know from being in the military service that women are another part of the American fabric.”

The artists featured are Deborah Ulloa, a case manager at Hines VA Hospital, and Iris Feliciano of Chicago.

Rose Martinez, a past commander of American Legion Post 57 in Elgin, was among female veterans honored Friday.

She’s known Harvey for years, she said.

“He told me about this (initiative), and I was so impressed,” she said.

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital contributed the historical display. VA representatives and staff members from DuPage County Vet Center also were in attendance with information about PTSD, sexual trauma, homelessness and women’s health issues.

The exhibit will run through Nov. 12 at Elgin ArtSpace Lofts, 51 S. Spring St., Elgin.