AMERICAN LEGION documents four American Legion posts in towns with populations under 1,000 across the U.S. Between 2014 and 2016, Karson photographed and interviewed Legion Family members and the impact veterans and posts have on small communities. The project has been compiled into a 252 page hardcover book and gallery exhibition.

Past Events and Exhibitions

The Arts Club, Chicago, IL
89th Professional Members Exhibition
January 18 - February 22, 2020

After Nye Gallery, London, UK
Marilyn Stafford Photo Reportage Exhibition
July 23 - 30, 2019

Artist Talk 
Made by Women
PhotoLab: 4x5: The Stories Behind the Frames
4 photographers share the stories behind 5 of their favorite images.
Apple Store Michigan Avenue, Monday, March 11, 2019

Splashlight Studios, New York, NY
Lucie Foundation Photobook of the Year Award
October 27, 2018

Overture Art Center, Madison, WI
PhotoMidwest 10th Biennial
Curated by Alex Garcia
September 1 - December 2, 2018

Guest on The 21st
Niala Boodhoo, Illinois Public Radio
November 12, 2018, rebroadcast August 26, 2019

Author Talk: American Legion
Make It Better Magazine
July/August, 2018

Artist talk with Commander Brent M. Webb
National Veterans Art Museum
4041 N Milwaukee, Chicago IL 60641
Thursday, September 28 from 6pm - 9pm
Artist talk at 7:15pm

Artist talk 
hosted by American Legion Post 497
Winifred Knox Memorial Library
112 S Elm Street, Franklin Grove, IL 61031
Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 5pm - 8pm
Artist talk at 7:15pm

Review: American Legion at Firecat Projects
Tom Mullaney, New Art Examiner
August 7, 2017

Guest on Nocturnal Journal 
Dave Hoekstra, WGN Radio 720am
July 22, 2017

Chicago Public Library - Irving-Austin Branch
American Legion, solo show
July 1 - September 30, 2018
Discussion Panel 
Patriotism, Community, and Social Action
Discussion lead by Michael Elsey, Senior Instructor & Director of Digital Media for the Great Books Foundation
Panelists include Dale Tippett Sr, Past Commander of Billy Caldwell Post 806, 9th District Sr. Vice Commander; Brent M. Webb, Commander of Tattler Post 973, 9th District Jr. Vice Commander; Moki Tantoco, Education and Programs Manager, National Veterans Art Museum.
Chicago Public Library Irving-Austin Branch, Monday, July 23, 2018

Firecat Projects
American Legion, solo show
July 28 - August 18, 2017
Book Release and Opening Reception
Friday, July 28 from 7pm - 10pm

Artist talk and photo industry mixer
hosted by ASMP Chicago/Midwest
Wednesday, August 9 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Artist talk at 7:15pm

Prime: A Member's Exhibition
Fogelson Studio for Filter Photo Festival
1821 W Hubbard, Suite 208, Chicago, IL 60622
September 21 - October 14, 2017
Gallery Hours Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm or by appointment 312.282.6818
Opening Reception
Thursday, September 21 from 6pm - 9pm

Performing Arts Center, Palos Hills, IL
Moraine Valley Community College
American Legion solo show
March 26 - April 25, 2017During the exhibitions, American Legion Auxiliary poppies will be available, with donations benefiting
Unit 319 in Cody, NE.

The Firecat Projects exhibition was generously sponsored by Douglas Sohn, and beverages were provided by Temperance Beer Co. and Red and White Wines, Chicago.


AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE ARTICLE

PRESS RELEASE

Awards and Honors

Best of ASMP: Image Series 
2019 third place

Marilyn Stafford FotoReportage Award 
2018 finalist

Lucie Foundation Photobook of the Year
2018 finalist - independent publishing

Lucie Foundation Photo Taken Emerging Scholarship
2018 shortlisted

Information Exhange Award, The American Legion Department of Illinois
2018

Individual Artist Grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
2016

Photolucida Critical Mass
2016, 2017, & 2018 finalist

Best of ASMP
2015