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Visual Art Program

“I strongly believe every veteran should tell their story for the benefit of themselves and their loved ones. Personally, it was very hard for me to talk about my Iraq war experience, and I avoided questions about it. I didn’t want to revisit the sad feelings or horrific memories. It wasn’t until after I began to tell my story to people that I felt a sense of relief from some of the grief I held inside.”
-Veteran Participant, Songwriting Program

INTRO TO ART
FOR COMBAT VETERANS PROGRAM

CreatiVets has partnered with The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) for a three week art program and University of Southern California (USC) for a two week, fully-accredited art program for disabled veterans at no cost to the veteran.  Veterans have full access to studios and equipment at the school, and the program gives them an opportunity to create and discuss art with some of the best art instructors in the country.  Through the process, veterans learn the benefits of using art as a form of stress and anxiety relief, as well as a way to tell their stories.

Upon graduating from the program, the participating veterans have the opportunity to share the pieces they have created at a gallery showcasing their works. Through this showcase, the veterans are able to help raise public awareness about the challenges facing veterans and how art can assist in addressing the psychological and emotional struggles that arise from combat-related trauma.  Check out SAIC’s “Healing Through Art” for more information about 2015’s program.
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Tour Our Art Spaces

Thanks to our good friends at HouseLens, we are thrilled to share with you a 3-D walk-through of some of our art showings of pieces created by veterans through our CreatiVets “Intro to Art for Veterans” programs. Thank you also to our incredible veteran participants!

Art exhibit at the National Veterans Memorial Museum in Colombus, OH in November of 2022

Art exhibit at Belmont University in Nashville, TN in August of 2022

Art exhibit at CreatiVets Headquarters in Nashville, TN in August 2021.

Art exhibit at the Bridgeport Arts Center in Chicago, IL in August of 2020

Art exhibit at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) in Chicago, IL in June of 2018.

Art exhibit at the Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center in Hendersonville, TN in June of 2018.

Art exhibit at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) in Chicago, IL in August of 2018.