Art is commonly recognized as a helpful form of therapy. Many veterans are encouraged to take up music or painting to help them through the emotional difficulties of transitioning from combat to life after service. For Tucson resident Engel Indo, music helped him work through his personal combat experiences. However, Indo decided to use his art to help other veterans. He recently published a book titled "Thoughts and Poetry for the Soul and out of Boredom." This work includes poetry in both English and Spanish that deals with hope, love and hate.
Indo will host a release party for his book on Tuesday, July 28. All proceeds from the party will go to a foundation called Pay It Forward Tucson, which helps local low-income families and veterans. Growing up in one of the poorest parts of Peru made the artist sensitive to the struggle of those around him. He told Tucson Weekly that he is always looking for ways to help fellow veterans and those in need. Before Indo turned to veterans' advocacy, he established From La Perla to the Stars, a program that teaches music to poverty-stricken children from his old Peruvian neighborhood.
Indo's release party will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Galeria Cuadro Arte Latino Internacional in Tucson. His book is available for purchase on Amazon.