This weekend, the vibrant world of art will unite with a mission of compassion and healing at the Wild at Art III Showcase, benefiting the Stella Nova Foundation. This unique event offers attendees the opportunity to acquire original fine art while supporting a cause focused on providing critical mental health care, especially for veterans.

One of the event highlights is the participation of featured artist Tra’ Slaughter, whose works from his Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers collection will be on display. Slaughter’s art is known for its striking combination of visual power and social consciousness. Through his pieces, he aims to tackle issues such as racial and gender inequality, civil rights, and global challenges. As he explains, “Art is a language everyone can understand, and I believe it has the power to save us all.”

Slaughter, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served from 1995 to 1999, uses his artwork as a personal tool for healing—a theme closely aligned with the mission of Stella Nova. “My ultimate goal as an artist is to inspire viewers to open their eyes to what is really happening in our world,” he says. As a father to 11-year-old, Harper and an artist deeply rooted in the therapeutic potential of creativity, Slaughter’s work seeks not only to inspire but to heal.

September, recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, is a time to shine a light on the urgent need for mental health care. The Stella Nova Foundation, founded in 2020, plays a vital role in this fight. Its primary mission is to fund local organizations providing mental health care, especially for veterans. This is a group deeply affected by the national suicide crisis—an estimated 20 veterans die by suicide each day in the U.S.

Doug Harris, Executive Director of the Stella Nova Foundation and a 2011 inductee of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, emphasized the importance of this cause. “Our foundation is committed to ensuring that veterans and those affected by trauma have access to mental health care,” Harris said. Stella Nova currently provides support to organizations like Guitars 4 Vets, the Purple Heart Project, and the Montrose Center, all of which offer innovative solutions to help veterans heal.

Most recently, Stella Nova spearheaded Operation: Stars, Stripes, and Strings, which raised funds for Guitars 4 Vets (G4V). G4V provides free guitar instruction and a new guitar to veterans struggling with PTSD and physical injuries, harnessing the power of music for emotional healing.

The Wild at Art Showcase will offer more than 400 original pieces of art, ranging from $50 to $5,500. The event is an opportunity for collectors and newcomers alike to appreciate fine art while making a meaningful impact. Proceeds from the showcase will go toward Stella Nova’s ongoing support of veterans and others in need of mental health care services.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend your weekend, look no further than Hardy and Nance Studios. There’s plenty of parking and ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the powerful intersection of art and advocacy.

Wild at Art III
September 28 & 29
1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Hardy and Nance Studios
902 Hardy Street
Admission is free.