Click here and here to read about Snyder’s walks around Lake Michigan to raise awareness for veteran suicide.

At this year’s ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Marine veteran and Davenport University military admissions representative Travis Snyder is using photography to shed light on a critical issue: veteran mental health. 

The title of Snyder’s art project is “The Wild as Witness”. Using medium format film photography, Snyder photographed eight veteran friends alongside Michigan lighthouses and interviewed them about the importance of getting outdoors and what it does for veteran mental and emotional well-being, especially during the transition from service.

Through the lens of his camera, Snyder aims to raise awareness about the psychological challenges many veterans face and encourage open conversations around healing and support.

“In recent years, I’ve advocated for veteran mental health by completing walks around Lake Michigan and across the state, traveling more than 3,000 miles to raise awareness and connect veterans with resources here in Michigan,” Snyder said. “This year, I partnered with Art for Honor to raise awareness in a different way.” 

Snyder works with veterans daily as an admissions specialist at Davenport University for Military and Adult populations. He is also enrolled at Davenport himself, in grad school, pursuing a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. 

“I have the privilege of helping veterans and active service members navigate the process of utilizing the GI Bill benefits they’ve earned and guide them to the next phase of their lives,” Snyder said. “For some of them, it’s about finding a new purpose and mission after their time in service.”

Snyder and 26 other veterans entered projects for this year’s ArtPrize event. Their entries are on display at the Veterans Memorial Park, 101 Fulton Street East in Grand Rapids. He encourages everyone to come down to the park to gain a greater understanding of the struggles veterans face and the resources they have available.

“It’s important to make veterans aware of the tools they have at their disposal,” he said. “It doesn’t need to be an elaborate solution. It can be something as simple as opening the door and walking outside. Touching your surroundings. Shutting off the device in your pocket. Putting yourself in the outside world and focusing on what’s around you.” 

ArtPrize will be held throughout downtown Grand Rapids from September 18 to October 4, featuring 931 entries from more than 1,100 artists. This year’s event showcases a diverse range of work by creators from 39 U.S. states and 18 countries.

To learn more about Davenport University’s support for veterans and military service students, visit www.Davenport.edu/military