Sandy Thompson, director of the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, made a trip to Mt. Rushmore in the summer and happened upon a shop operated by artist Lane Kendrick.

Thompson was so impressed by one of Kendrick’s works, “Patriot Guardians,” that she purchased several of the 24-by-36-inch prints to sell in the museum gift shop.

There is something eerily beautiful about the prints. The color palette is predominantly fall, which purveys an overall warmth, but the subject matter has a haunting quality.

The scene, which is of no specific national cemetery, features a grandfather of the Vietnam era, who takes his young grandson to visit the cemetery to teach him to honor those who have given their lives for our country. However, both the child and his dog react to “spirits” of dead soldiers unseen by the grandfather.

In Kendrick’s words: “Small children and animals are pure of heart and because of this, they can see the ghost images of men and women soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam and earlier wars.”

Kendrick painted the original work and had prints produced as a fundraiser for military members and their families. She maintains a studio in Tuttle, Okla.

The painting contains other images tucked away in the clouds and leaves of the trees. There are more messages and history included than immediately meets the eye.

Kendrick has works displayed in the permanent collection of the Rocky Mountain National Museum. She won Artist Choice Award at the Western Heritage show at Great Falls, Mont., and was selected as Artist in Residence at Custer National Park in Custer, S.D. National Ducks Unlimited has also used two of her images for T-shirts.

The museum is selling the unframed prints for $25 each.

Also, for the second consecutive year the museum is selling its own holiday ornament. Last year’s ornament, which may still be purchased, features a photo of the old L&N Freight depot in which the museum is housed. This year’s ornament is a depiction of a Revolutionary soldier. Each may be purchased for $10.

Fish fry

On Friday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum will host a fish fry at the Limestone County Event Center, which is across the parking lot from the museum. The menu includes catfish, chicken tenders, fries, slaw, hushpuppies, drinks, fixings and desserts while they last.

Purchase pre-sale tickets at $10 each at the Veterans Museum at 100 W. Pryor St., and Roger’s Portraits at 115 W. Washington St. Tickets will be $12 at the door. Carry-outs are available. Call 256-771-7578 for information or orders. And while you’re at the museum sign up to win one of the new limited edition Christmas ornaments.

Veterans Parade

The Veterans Parade will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, beginning at Athens High School and ending downtown at the old Kroger building on Jefferson Street. Those interested in entering may call Roxanne Haggermaker at 256-374-2073, Roger Keyes at 256-374-2072 or Sandy Thompson at the Veterans Museum at 256-771-7578.