A new art exhibit at the Foley Community Library will trace 250 years of American history through the eyes of local artist George Wilson III, showcasing the people, events and military milestones that helped shape the nation.

Titled "250 Years of Freedom: Moments That Shaped America," the exhibition opened Monday, Nov. 9, and features artwork spanning from Native American life before the arrival of the first Europeans to contemporary depictions of American life and military service.

The collection highlights pivotal moments from the American Revolution, including the Battle of Yorktown and the Battle of the Chesapeake. It also explores the evolution of military aviation, with particular attention to Foley's historic Barin Field, a Navy aviation training center that operated during World War II and the Korean War.

Thousands of Navy aviators trained at Barin Field during its years of operation. Wilson's artwork connects that local history to the broader story of American military aviation, bringing the nation's 250-year history into focus through depictions of service, sacrifice and the changing meaning of freedom.

Wilson's background brings personal experience to his portrayals of military history. A Foley native and Auburn University graduate, he joined the U.S. Army after college and earned his wings as an Army aviator.

During his 23-year military career, Wilson served as an advanced flight instructor and combat aviator. He completed two full combat tours in Vietnam and received two Bronze Stars before retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

His extensive experience flying both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft informs his detailed and historically accurate depictions of military aviation. Wilson and his wife, Suzon, live in Santa Rosa Sound, Florida.

The exhibit will remain on display through Dec. 11 at the Foley Community Library. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The library is closed Sundays.

The exhibition is part of Foley's ongoing celebration of the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States in 1776.