Strawberry Flag
The VA West Los Angeles: Advocating for Better Care for Veterans
The VA West Los Angeles (VA WLA) is the largest and oldest property in the VA network across the USA, originally established as a Home for Recuperating Veterans. During Metabolic Studio's two-year engagement on this historic campus, we attended numerous events both on and off campus to advocate for better care for veterans. Today, we’re posting the story of our time there in honor of Interdependence Day, celebrations we held on July 3rd.
One of our notable projects was Strawberry Flag (2010-2011), a large-scale artwork that transformed a neglected lawn on the extensive VA property into a strawberry field. This project not only served as a symbol of renewal and hope but also engaged veterans in therapeutic agricultural activities, fostering a sense of community and purpose.
Additionally, our efforts included a successful lawsuit in collaboration with the ACLU to preserve the VA property as veterans’ housing. This legal action was crucial in securing the underutilized buildings and converting them into much-needed housing for homeless veterans.
We are excited to offer this zine on Substack for anyone interested in supporting this cause. Metabolic Studio firmly believes that artists have the power to create on the same scale that society has the capacity to destroy. Our work has successfully garnered the attention needed to bring about significant change.
Please feel free to print this zine (on 11x17 paper) and distribute it at your next event! Together, we can continue to advocate for and support our veterans. Instructions for folding an eight-page zine are available here and included below.
