Over the next three months, Canada’s Cold War Museum will host an art exhibit titled "Group 6: The Canadian Forces Artists Program 2012-2013", which opened yesterday in the Bank of Canada Vault.

Using multiple forms of media, Group 6 portrays the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) at home and abroad, through a unique experience using creative and independent viewpoints. The exhibit will run until January 31, 2016.

Deputy Commander of Military Personnel Command, Major-General Derek Joyce offered opening remarks, with Henriette Riegal, Executive Director of the Diefenbunker Museum, on this first day of the exhibit.

"Artists have been an integral part of documenting crucial aspects of military history for over a century through various forms of media," MGen Joyce said. "I am honoured to see the creativity and talent shine through the pieces that these artists have produced from their privileged experiences alongside the Canadian Armed Forces. This exhibition allows the Canadian public access into the daily lives of our military members and their families”.

This year marks the 15th year of the Canadian Forces Artists Program (CFAP), and the first time the exhibit will run for an extended period of time.

The exhibit has been curated by Dr. Laura Brandon, recently retired Chief Curator of War Art at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, and includes a selection of work produced by the following artists during 2012-2013:

• Sophie Dupuis
• Leslie Hossack
• Mary Kavanagh
• Thomas Kneubuhler
• Sharon E. MacKay
• Alicia Payne and Joseph Amato
• Leslie Reid
• Rhonda Weppler and Trevor Mahovsky

The Canadian Forces Artists Program allows artists from all across Canada to capture daily operations of the CAF. Some artists will deploy with an operation, visit bases, offices, and historic locations.

CFAP artists are selected through an advisory committee comprised of experts within the arts community.