Local artist Sheryl Cathers inspired by her Korean War veteran father to create the artwork

Local artist Sheryl Cathers works on the mural at the Gilroy Veterans Memorial Building.
Photo by Calvin Nuttall

By Calvin Nuttall

Muralist Sheryl Cathers is giving the Gilroy Veterans Memorial Building an eye-catching new look. Filling the entire exterior wall along Eigleberry Street, the artist’s patriotic mural pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of men and women who served the United States Armed Forces.

Cathers saw an opportunity to beautify the hall and show recognition for the veterans of the community. The mural depicts the unity of our nation with an American flag overlaid with images representing the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force.

“I think there is more that brings us together than divides us,” she said. “I think the community is hungry for something that brings us all together.”

The creator of many murals throughout the city (including the one of children and art at the Gilroy Arts Center plaza), Cathers donated her time and talents to paint this 100 feet-by-13-feet work she started in mid-June.

“This building was very nondescript,” she said. “Last summer, they approached me about the interior, so I did about five murals inside. But every time I drove by, I saw that big, empty wall. So I sent them a proposal for this mural, and they were very happy.”

The daughter of a war veteran, Cathers feels a personal connection to the project. Her father, Robert Ehrman, served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on a minesweeper ship.

“I think about my dad a lot while I’m doing this,” she said. “He was really a catalyst for me. He passed away in 2017, so he didn’t get to see this. I wrote his name on the wall, underneath the mural.”

With its previously plain exterior, the hall had passed beneath the notice of many local residents until the mural project began, said Jesse Sanchez, the facilities manager. Sanchez is also a retired U.S. Army veteran and the chaplain for VFW Post 6309.

“Everybody in Gilroy thinks of this building as the bingo hall,” he said. “But they don’t know that, for the veterans, this is our home, a place for camaraderie. We veterans did a lot, and many are going through a lot right now.”

Sanchez hopes the red-white-and-blue mural will bring the hall to the attention of veterans who may be unaware the building is available to them and offers various services. Aside from Friday night bingo, the hall includes a bar for socializing during the afternoon and meeting areas for local veterans’ groups. Veterans also can enjoy scheduled events such as guest speakers and informative presentations.

“A lot of the veterans now are mostly Vietnam and Korean veterans, and we’re getting up in age,” he said. “We need the younger veterans to know that this building is here for them. I think with that flag out there, they’re going to see it, and hopefully it brings them in. That’s my main goal.”

A detailed shot of a portion of the mural.
Photo by Calvin Nuttall

“Jesse has been very supportive,” Cathers said. “He helped me to paint the flag that is the backdrop, and he set me up with a lift and has helped me set up in the mornings. He is the one that climbed up and painted the high spots. He has really contributed and has had a lot of valuable input.”

Built in 1951, the Veterans Hall is operated by the South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District, a special district with the purpose of providing veterans with a place to meet and socialize. Christine West serves as the executive director on the board.

“I can’t say enough about Sheryl. She is such a wonderful and easy person to work with,” West said. “She has great ideas. It has been a great experience. She is very patriotic. Her father was in the military, so she really supports veterans, and I think this is her way of giving back to the veteran community.”

The mural will help the Memorial District to reach many veterans who may not know about the events and services available at the hall, said Gabe Perez, president of the board of directors.

“You can’t drive by without noticing it,” he said. “It invites veterans and the community to check out the hall. Sheryl has done a lot for local veterans through her art. She has donated all of her time on the various projects at the hall, and it really reflects on the kind of person she is. She’s a true patriot!”

When Cathers presented her proposal for the new mural artwork, West was thrilled to bring it before the board of directors.

To ensure that the mural would remain colorful for decades to come, they agreed to pay for high-quality materials that would not fade in the face of natural weathering and potential vandalism.

Photo by Calvin Nuttall

“A lot of mural artists will tell you it doesn’t matter what kind of paint you use,” Cathers said. “I use a high quality lightfast outdoor paint. My feeling is that this is an investment not only of time and effort but also financial — and so why not make it last? And then we’ll finish it with an anti-graffiti varnish that seals it, and if it is tagged you can clean it off without damaging the art.”

In addition to the mural, the hall will also receive an updated sign bearing a new name for the veterans’ social hub: “Home of the Brave.”

“I think a lot of veterans still feel they aren’t appreciated,” West said. “Many Vietnam veterans came home and were spit on and yelled at and really made to feel bad, and they’ve never really been thanked. By calling this building ‘Home of the Brave,’ we are recognizing that these veterans really did something significant for this country and they are really appreciated.”

Even unfinished, the mural has already attracted positive attention. Passersby stop frequently to express to Cathers their appreciation for her artistic endeavor, including Gilroy resident Arlene Valencia.

“It’s spectacular,” Valencia said. “Just such a beautiful tribute. Two veterans, Joe and Tom, live across the street from me, and they’re thrilled. They couldn’t be more honored. We all benefit from it but especially those boys. It’s very nice and it means so much to all of us to express our gratitude.”

Calvin Nuttall is a Morgan Hill resident and freelance reporter.