(Photo: Jure Siric)
To celebrate and showcase the power of art therapy, VETART, a community-based arts organization, will be hosting a Veteran’s Pop-up Art Café on October 17.
The event is running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the California State Capitol, West Steps, located at 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, and will feature art displays, live artwork creation, music, food, and fun, providing an opportunity for Veterans to share their artistic side.
VETART offers a wide range of free art classes such as ceramics, glass, woodworking, and bronze casting. These classes serve as more than just creative outlets; they provide Veterans with a space to connect with others, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The organization is committed to offering an inclusive environment, welcoming military families and civilians alike to participate in the transformative art-making process. Through their programs, VETART helps Veterans, active-duty Service Members, spouses, dependents, and caregivers showcase their artistic talents and share their experiences.
Art therapy has been a recognized mental health tool since the 1940s. Research has shown the efficacy of art therapy, particularly in helping Veterans with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries. Art can assist Veterans in expressing their emotions, relieving stress, and exploring different aspects of their personalities and capabilities.
A survey by the National Intrepid Center of Excellence found that art therapy ranked as one of the top five most helpful techniques for treating PTSD in service members. Creative Forces, a national military healing arts program, reports that 85% of patients at the Walter Reed Medical Center, where they offer art therapy, have experienced significant healing.
To learn more about VETART’s programs and upcoming events, visit their website here.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
