Video Life of a war artist Learn more about Sharon McKay's experiences as a war artist.

For 10 years the Canadian Forces Artists Program has been sending civilian artists working in almost all media – from film to sculpture – overseas to share the experiences of troops in combat roles and peacekeeping missions. 

An exhibit on show at the Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa features work by five artists selected for the program in 2008-09, and glimpses of work underway by the 12 artists currently on deployment. 

Capital News spoke to one of the featured artists, Sharon McKay, who writes novels for young adults, about her experience in Kandahar province in 2009 and the book that emerged. Thunder Over Kandahar is the story of two teenage girls and best friends forced to flee their country when the Taliban burn their school and threaten the students with death.

Life of a war artist

Capital News spoke with Sharon McKay about her experiences as a war artist.