Bringing Veterans’ Photos to Life for PTSD Awareness

Veterans
Photographs featured in the outdoor exhibit, The Odyssey Project, spreading awareness of the struggles some veterans face with PTSD. Photo: Mark Russell, Buffalo Canvas.

Expression through photography has no limits. Imagination and ideas flow freely. While some claim print photography is dead, Mark Russell, of Buffalo Canvas proves otherwise. His shop in Buffalo, New York, printed the photos for an exhibition at the Central Library focused on spreading awareness on the struggles some veterans face with PTSD. The Odyssey Project created by photojournalist, Brendan Bannon, features photographs from forty-two veterans.

Veterans
Photo: Mark Russell, Buffalo Canvas.

The outdoor exhibit had its share of challenges, including withstanding temperatures that would vary between 40 to 65 degrees. Russell needed a product with the right adhesive, was easily removable, and met fire safety standards with a Class A fire rating, so he turned to LexJet for answers.

“We don’t have all the information, so the relationship with LexJet is important,” Russell explained. “LexJet has a solution almost every time.”

Veterans
Printing the graphics out onto GF 226HTR Wallmark. Photo: Mark Russell, Buffalo Canvas.

LexJet recommended General Formulations 226HTR WallMark™ to fit the bill. GF 226HTR has a unique and innovative pressure-sensitive adhesive that is specially formulated to be both high-tack and removable (HTR).

Veterans
Printing the graphics out onto GF 226HTR Wallmark. Photo: Mark Russell, Buffalo Canvas.

The combination of vinyl and adhesive is designed to stick aggressively to most surfaces but is specially formulated to remove cleanly for up to a year:

  • Unique HTR adhesive is both high-tack and removable and allows for ease of installation;
  • Print and cut edge-to-edge with stunning image quality and superior hold; and
  • Safe for all spaces with its E84 Class A fire rating.
Veterans
Printing the graphics out onto GF 226HTR Wallmark. Photo: Mark Russell, Buffalo Canvas.

The exhibit was installed on a large exterior granite wall of the library. Weather conditions put the product to the test.

“It was tough with the weather, one day, it was 65 degrees, and the next, snowing,” said Russell. “We’ve been using different General Formulations products on other projects, so we felt confident.”

Veterans
Installing the GF 226HTR WallMark artwork to the exterior granite wall of the library. Photographs featured in the outdoor exhibit, The Odyssey Project, spreading awareness of the struggles some veterans face with PTSD. Photo: Mark Russell, Buffalo Canvas.

For the installation, having the right adhesive was a must. Choosing media that is Class A fire-rated is also an important factor for a public exhibition.

“LexJet’s recommendation of the GF 226 HTR performed really well, giving us flexibility with the install and being easily removable. It printed beautifully, and the installation went smoothly. The library loved it and has extended the exhibit through May.”

Veterans
Installing the GF 226HTR WallMark photos to the exterior granite wall of the library. Photographs featured in the outdoor exhibit, The Odyssey Project, spreading awareness of the struggles some veterans face with PTSD. Photo: Mark Russell, Buffalo Canvas.

This is perfect timing with Memorial Day coming up on May 30. Sharing the experience through the art of photography and capturing the stories of veterans offers the opportunity to pay honor to the men and women who have proudly served our country.

The exhibition runs through May 31 at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library at 1 Lafayette Square in Buffalo, New York. The event is free and open to the public.

Veterans
Photo: Mark Russell, Buffalo Canvas.

—Press Release