John Emmett Connors

John Emmett Connors enlisted in 1969 in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman.  His work stateside was working with the severely wounded from the Republic of Vietnam.  Later, Mr.  Connors was attached to the Marine Corps where he earned his Air Wings, a rare decoration for a corpsman.  He served on two aircraft carriers tending to the sick or injured at sea while looking after the medical needs of his helicopter squadron. 

During his four-year enlistment, Mr. Connors cared for numerous troops and worked tirelessly to ensure they received the best medical care and emotional support he could offer.  He was highly decorated for his service, receiving a National Defense Medal and Meritorious Mast which recognized his outstanding performance of duty and leadership. 

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Mr. Connors was awarded a scholarship to study at the Art Students League of New York, a dream he had put off so that he could serve. Today, he is a prolific painter known for creating street scenes of New York City and of his hometown, Troy, New York. His large body of work also includes pieces depicting the trauma and triumph of his military experience. Mr. Connors has exhibited his work extensively and has several books about his collections.

Recently, Mr. Connors taught a series of drawing classes at the Manhattan VA.  In 2018, he was one of two artists featured in an exhibit entitled “Queer Moods” at the renowned Leslie-Lohman Museum on Prince Street in Manhattan. 

Today, in addition to his artistic career, Mr. Connors has continued the important medical work he began during his military service by serving as a caregiver to others.