The Art of War, & The Art of Saving History: Central Coast Veterans Museum | ARTober | Up+Adam
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Who knew some of the most fascinating art on the Central Coast was born on the battlefield? From World War I artillery shells transformed into intricate sculptures to the original viral sensation of World War II, "Kilroy Was Here," there's a whole lot of creativity, humanity, and history hiding in plain sight at the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum in San Luis Obispo.
As Up+Adam continues its partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo celebrating ARTober, Adam Montiel welcomes back Bart Topham, Vietnam combat veteran, retired SLO Police captain, former Cuesta College police chief, and president and director/curator of the museum. Together, they explore the unexpected intersection of art and military service, the extraordinary ways soldiers found creative expression in the middle of war, and the thousands of artifacts preserving the stories of those who served. But there's an urgent new chapter unfolding. The museum is facing a months-long closure for building improvements, requiring the careful packing, relocation, and storage of irreplaceable pieces of American history, including a relic from the USS Arizona and an actual Medal of Honor. With moving costs estimated at more than $20,000 before storage, Bart and his team are calling on the community for help. It's a fascinating conversation about creativity, sacrifice, preservation, and why some of the most important stories in our own backyard need us now more than ever.
VISIT, LEARN MORE & SUPPORT THE MUSEUM
- Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum: vetmuseum.org
- Support the museum: Donate through the museum's verified GoFundMe charity page
- Volunteer or get involved: Museum volunteer and membership opportunities
- Contact Bart about helping with the move: (805) 459-8826
- Visit: 801 Grand Avenue, Suite 102, San Luis Obispo, CA
- Published visiting hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM. Check before visiting as the museum prepares for its temporary closure.
- ARTober 2026: City of San Luis Obispo ARTober
- Explore ARTober: Visit SLO's 2026 ARTober Guide
Up+Adam with Adam Montiel, proudly partnering with the City of San Luis Obispo to celebrate the arts, culture, and people who make our community extraordinary.
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