Warrior Ink on Display at Brookfield Public Library - Photo by Brookfield Public Library
Warrior Ink Traveling Exhibit
Military tattoo exhibit created by Menomonee Falls Public Library available for loan
The incredible photographic exhibit featuring Wisconsin veterans and the stories behind their meaningful tattoos is designed to be traveling in nature and can be borrowed by organizations, groups, and businesses for display.
About the Exhibit
In 2021, Menomonee Falls Public Library applied for and was awarded the Veterans and Libraries National Forum grant through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered through Texas A&M University. With grant funding, the Library created a traveling exhibit honoring military members and their meaningful tattoos entitled Warrior Ink.
The purpose of the Warrior Ink exhibit is twofold: it serves as a permanent way to honor local veterans and their unique stories of bravery and service and it allows for the Library to establish itself in the community as a resource hub for veterans and their families.
The Library sought out local veterans to participate in the exhibit. Photography took place at the Library over two days by Nancy Greifenhagen of Nancy G. Photography. Library Board Trustee Jessica Cole interviewed the participants while they were being photographed to learn more about the stories behind their ink. Nancy then turned their stories and photographs into the Warrior Ink photographic exhibit which debuted to the public in April of 2022.
The exhibit is designed to be traveling in nature and can be borrowed by organizations, groups, and businesses for display. The Library is incredibly grateful to receive the grant funding for this project and for the many people who worked together to create Warrior Ink.
Participating Veterans
Tyson Cole
US Army: 1999 – 2012
Chris Flury
US Navy: 1983 – 2003
Chris Keleny
US Marines: 2011 – 2017
Melisa Krueger
US Army: 2005 – 2015
James Pelech
US Army: 2000 – 2021
Richard Richmond
US Marines: 2016 – 2022
Cheryl Romo
US Marines: 1980 – 1984
Donald Semega
US Navy: 1982 –1991
Ashley Willes
US Marines: 2008 – 2014
Jim Willes
US Marines: 1981 – 2002
Opening Night
Friday, April 8, 2022
Nearly 200 people attended the Warrior Ink Opening Reception and Veteran’s Resource Fair at Menomonee Falls Public Library. Representatives from 12 local veteran’s organizations exhibited at the Veteran’s Resource Fair, and the event was covered by CBS 58. The exhibit remained on display at the Library until May 31.
On the Road
Warrior Ink was designed to be a traveling exhibit. It has been borrowed by several organizations, groups, and businesses, and it could be displayed at your facility!
Warrior Ink has been displayed at:
- Old Falls Village Park, June 2022
- Random Lake Area Historical Society, August 2022
- Brookfield Public Library, June 2023
- Waukesha Public Library, November 2023
- Village at the Falls, December 2023
In the News
- CBS 58’s One Good Thing: Warrior Ink Photo Exhibit
CBS 58 – April 8, 2022 - Veteran tattoos tell powerful story in Menomonee Falls
CBS 58 – April 24, 2022 - Warrior Ink project shares veterans’ tattoos and the stories behind them
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – May 23, 2022 - Warrior Ink
Waukesha Freeman, - Every tattoo has a story
Art Guild of Menomonee Falls, October 24, 2023
Warrior Ink Sponsors
Display Warrior Ink at your facility!
The Warrior Ink Traveling Exhibit can be borrowed by organizations, groups, and businesses for display.
The exhibit includes 11 retractable display banners. The exhibit must be picked up and returned to Menomonee Falls Public Library. We are unable to ship or deliver the exhibit.
If you’re interested in displaying the exhibit, please fill out the form below. We will contact you to finalize your reservation.
