President Bush painting. Photo by Grant Miller

Neighbor and former President George W. Bush will showcase his art series, “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” at Disney World in honor of National Military Appreciation Month.

The series, featuring over 60 oil paintings of service members and veterans known to President Bush since leaving office, originally debuted at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2017.

“Celebrating those who give so much to our country has been part of the fabric of The Walt Disney Company throughout our 100-year history,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said in a press release. “We’re grateful to the Bush Institute for allowing us to feature this special collection and share it with our guests.”

Each painting is paired with a story of the veteran depicted, personally written by President Bush.

“Paintings by President Bush are coming soon to EPCOT in the American Adventure pavilion on June 9!” an Instagram post shared by The Bush Center and Disney Parks said. “Learn more about @thebushcenter Portraits of Courage honoring veterans.”

After leaving office, President Bush pursued his passion for painting at his Preston Hollow home. Encouraged by a Texas Christian University art professor to depict lesser-known individuals, he focused on wounded warriors he had met. Beginning in 2015, he created portraits of 98 veterans, featured in a book of the same name. Proceeds from each purchase support the George W. Bush Presidential Center and its Military Service Initiative, aiding post-9/11 veterans and their families. The series has toured various venues, including The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR.

The exhibit is an extension of President Bush’s involvement in the Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military Families program. The program recently announced its next class from the Veterans Leadership Program, participating in the inaugural Stand-To-Veteran Leadership Program to further support the nation’s veterans and their families, according to The George W. Bush Presidential Center.

The grand opening will take place at The American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT on June 9.