Witte Museum to Host President George W. Bush’s Paintings

The Witte Museum has announced that it would Sponsor "Portraits of Courage: ACommander from Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors", a special Exhibition from the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Growing from President George W. Bush's personal commitment and the continuing work of the Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative, "Portraits of Courage"brings together sixty-six full-color portraits and also a four-panel mural painted by President Bush of 98 support members and veterans who have served our country with honor since 9/11, and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.


Because of the generous sponsorship from Zachry Group, San Antonio is one of four places to host the paintings this season. Portraits of Courage will be on display from July 21 through September 30, 2018, at the Witte Museum.


"We are honored to make this gift as an expression of our dedication to service members and experts as well as the job of this Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative," said John B. Zachry, chairman and chief executive officer, Zachry Group. "We're very proud of this rich history of military service and forfeit in our San Antonio community."

Each featured painting is accompanied by the inspiring story of the warrior written by President Bush. Visitors will experience the faces as well as the hearts of those who answered the call of the nation and learn of their journey to healing, their bravery on the battle and the direction and participation they make as civilians.


"I painted these people as a means to honor their service to the country and to show my admiration for their sacrifice and courage," said President George W. Bush. "I'll never quit working to assist our military, their families, and our veterans, and I'm thankful to Zachry Group for supporting this mission."


"As Military City USA, San Antonio is the best place to display those portraits of patriotic American personalities," said Mayor Ron Nirenberg, "This exhibition will be an important addition to our Tricentennial celebration, and it will highlight on a national point the amazing improvements at the Witte Museum. "


In addition to this group of portraits, the exhibit includes information and resources created by the Military Service Initiative of the Bush Institute that people can use to understand how to support post-9/11 warriors. These tools are intended to help bridge the divide that was military-civilian.


"The Witte Museum is honored to host this strong exhibition with such a meaningful history," said Marise McDermott, President and CEO of the Witte Museum. "President George W. Bush has committed the tales of America's warriors to canvas, immortalizing their devotion, and sacrifice to our nation. We look forward to sharing this adventure."


The paintings featured in Portraits of Courage are also the subject of the bestselling hardcover publication by President Bush. The profits will be given to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a nonprofit organization whose Military Service Initiative works to ensure that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and beating the invisible wounds of war. The book will be accessible in the Bolner Family Museum Store.