Freedom Isn't Free Festival

Start: Saturday, July 19, 2025 11:00AM
End: Saturday, July 19, 2025 5:00PM

The nonprofit veterans art organization, New Century Art Guild, Southwest Region, will host the first “Freedom Isn’t Free Festival” that includes art exhibitions by military veterans, more than 30 veteran service organizations, musical performances, veGrndors, games, food and refreshments from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Norris Conference Center, 618 NW Loop 410, 78216. Admission is $10. “It’s a celebration of freedom and of those who sacrificed for it, so let’s not forget about them,” said Mario Lopez, NCAG Southwest Region art liaison and festival organizer. Participating veteran service organizations include PTSD Foundation of America – San Antonio Chapter, Wounded Warrior Project, Frontline Strong, Hero Hut, Transitioning Warrior Foundation, SPARC, Combat 22, Callsign Muffin, Laurel Ridge Treatment Center Mission Resiliency, Bihl Haus Arts Forward Arts! Program, Soldiers’ Angels, The Pink Berets, Military Warriors Support Foundation, and more. Musical performances include Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and award-winning artist Jeffrey Steele, jazz and rock musician Johnny Saxx, and DJ Dante. A five-time Grammy nominee, Jeffrey Steele has been recognized by BMI for over 65 million airplays for hits he penned for a multitude of artists including Keith Urban, Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett, Montgomery Gentry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cher, .38 Special, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts and Van Zant, Joe Cocker and more, according to his official website. Lopez, an Army veteran, was injured while deployed in Afghanistan in 2008, when the armored vehicle he was riding in was hit by a 300-pound, improvised explosive device (EID). He lost his right arm, most of his left hand, and sight in his right eye. After finding healing from depression and PTSD through painting, he now shares art opportunities with other veterans. In recent years, he has hosted veteran art exhibitions and galas to support veteran artists. The “Freedom Isn’t Free Festival” is another opportunity to spotlight veterans, he said. “Come support our veterans and see how they are striving and surviving through life,” Lopez said. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more information, visit www.ncagevent.org or call Mario Lopez at 361-207-2599. About NCAG New Century Art Guild, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in Omaha, Nebraska. Recently, NCAG has expanded into Texas with a primary mission to create opportunities for motivated military veteran artists to showcase their work and pursue new careers in art. A powerful side benefit from these activities is healing through art, gaining a sense of purpose, and creating beauty in the world.