Going Big with Art: How Polly Gentry Transformed Tragedy into Impact

What does it truly mean to Go Big? For artist Polly Gentry, it meant taking a personal moment of grief and transforming it into a mission of honor, remembrance, and action. After witnessing the heartbreaking events of the 2021 Afghanistan troop withdrawal, Polly was moved to create a one-of-a-kind tribute—her Flags of Honor series, with each piece dedicated to one of the 13 fallen service members.

But Polly didn’t stop at expression—she took her impact even further. Determined to make a tangible difference, she auctioned her art to support military families through the Folds of Honor Foundation, proving that creativity, when paired with purpose, has the power to change lives.

On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Polly to explore how she discovered her artistic gift later in life, the moment she realized her work could serve a greater cause, and why taking bold action with your talents can ignite change beyond what you ever imagined. This conversation is a reminder that Going Big isn’t just about ambition—it’s about using your unique gifts to leave a lasting impact.