Navy Veteran uses art to help self, provide beauty to VA Eastern Colorado, surrounding area
A stroll through the sweeping concourse of Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora may awaken one’s inner art lover. Displayed among the vibrant, stunning paintings and photography on the walls of this facility, you will discover the richly innovative woodwork of Howard Haiges.
A U.S. Navy Veteran, Haiges, 67, tapped into his creative side initially as a taxidermist. An avid outdoorsman and archer, he said taxidermy appealed to him as a form of art.
“I did the bases and got creative with building stones out of plaster and using wire to create scenes for the animals,” said Haiges.
A prolific artist, Haiges decoupages rock ‘n’ roll-inspired collages that even he admits are “so cool.” He incorporates actual ticket stubs and images from concerts he’s attended, making the final pieces deeply personal and difficult to part with. Haiges experimented with other media over the years, working with inventive painting techniques to cover hand-cut pressed wood, his current passion.
Haiges started displaying art at RMR VA Medical Center earlier this year and his work has not gone unnoticed. Featuring images of moose, bison and even electric guitars, he sold nine wildlife pieces in three months. Haiges feels he’s found his groove, having mastered a technique that starts with a jigsaw for precise cuts and a unique poured-paint style that differs depending on his mood.
While serving, he survived what he calls “some pretty serious situations at sea,” and art aids him in dealing with those experiences.
“It takes away all thoughts of the past,” said Haiges. “Completely. When I start doing my art, it just takes you to a different place. Not only is it fulfilling from a mental standpoint, it’s overwhelming—once it’s complete—to realize you have the ability to do that. I’ve always been artistic, but it’s very therapeutic.”
Creating from his home studio in Brighton, Colorado, Haiges feels humbled to have his art displayed and sold at RMR VA Medical Center.
“I’m dumbfounded,” said Haiges. “I walk into VA and see my work and say, ‘Holy smokes, how did you get here?’”
Notably, the City of Northglenn hired Haiges to create their 2022 and 2024 Small Business Award trophies. In addition, he’s donating a few pieces for a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Colorado, where Haiges’ own granddaughter, Riley, spent time as a newborn. Clients also commission Haiges for signature pieces. His work is so popular, in fact, he’s seeking outlets beyond VA and his website, LonesomeGoose.com.
Art may seem to occupy much of Haiges’ time, but this Veteran is also a VA contractor, producing durable medical equipment for assistive bath fixtures.
“I set up disabled Veterans with prosthetics equipment,” he explained.
He spends a lot of time at VA, but his wife spotted the sign about displaying artwork. That simple contact has impacted his life in ways he never imagined. To inquire about VA’s art program, Veteran artists may email VHAECHRMRArtCommittee@va.gov.
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April Love is a Writer-Editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force. She began working for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2016 and lives in Aurora, Colorado.