Cowra High School Special Education teacher Andrew Salter has always liked to draw in charcoals. From his first post as a teacher in dusty Wilcannia, to Sydney and finally Katoomba High when he left there in 2022 to come to Cowra.
"I always liked to draw and even make my own charcoals to do it," he said.
"I had stopped for a while before moving to Cowra but when I started looking around at the wonder of this place and it's war history I was inspired to start drawing again.
"Now I have completed 12 World War II POW themed artworks and hopefully I can showcase them to the public."
The drawings, which encapsulate some of the more famous storylines from the tragic events, from Private Shepherd, who was blind in one eye and denied a service pension due to dying on duty not in action, to a daring POW escape and more including new works with a sports theme.
"I also attended my first POW Breakout events and I was taken back by how respectful and how special the events were. I was grateful I also was able to participate in the lantern parade too."
Salter, who has no plans of slowing down, has also completed painting of Mrs Weir serving tea to POWs and nurses treating an escapee in hospital.
"I have been sitting back thinking what might have happened during this time and hoped my works fill a few gaps or get some discussions going," he said.
"My latest batch includes Italian POWs holding a cricket bat trying to understand the game as well as an Aussie soldier sharing a cigarette with two Japanese POWs.
"When I have completed my works, some discussions I have been having with the Breakout Association and Art Gallery may allow me to show these pieces to more people so you can all see for yourselves!"
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