Funding for veterans has given Art for the Journey the stability, materials, team development volunteer recruitment, and more for regular artmaking events for veterans. In early 2023, the Richard and Caroline Gwathmey Foundation generously provided $15,000 for the veterans programs which helped Art for the Journey leap forward from monthly to bi-monthly and even weekly programing this year!
The impact of the Covid19 pandemic on veterans who are living with PTSD or other combat related disabilities was profound. Throughout the pandemic, Art for the Journey continued to reach out to veterans through opportunities with spacing, masks, and outside or large venues. We also delivered several programs led by Founder Mark Hierholzer, a veteran himself, that provided drawing instruction, and other art making experiences. Supplies were delivered to the homes of many veterans to help with the zoom sessions conducted by Art for the Journey.
Now, in the post-pandemic time frame, we still witness the impact of social isolation and deliberately provide in-person artmaking experiences that are supported by many volunteers. Art for the Journey believes that human centered delivery of programs through a team experience, delivers more than the therapeutic benefit of art making itself. Person to person connection is important to all humans, and as we are finding ways to recover from the most socially isolating time in many of our lives, we find simply being together, enjoying community, and experiencing art is helpful to all involved.
Veterans programs have included many forms of artmaking, and is a wonderful way to join in community, to experience well-being from creative expression, and from simply gathering together, and finding healing together.
For more information about veterans programs, contact Melba Gibbs melba@artforthejourney.org to learn more, or to volunteer!
