The Veterans Art Project

The Veterans Arts Project (VETART) is a community-based organization serving Veterans, Active Duty, Spouses, dependents, their caregivers, and the community through process-driven, Deep Arts Engagement, D.A.E.(c), and Art Therapy.

VETART currently operates a 5,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art, professionally equipped school of Ceramics and Glass studio space in Vista, California, and provides MFA-level instruction to participants. Encouraging the “see one, do one, teach one” VETART hosts an environment where the veteran community can build their communication, skills, and techniques.

While VETART has a long list of accomplishments to be proud of, Executive Director and Founder, Steven Dilley, remains most proud of the space he has fostered for the community. There is no other program providing the services, connections, or support as VETART.

STUDIO CLASSES

VETART currently hosts three ceramic classes a week; classes include art therapy, hand-building, and ceramic wheel instruction. Classes are completely free for not only veterans but also for active-duty military personnel, family and spouses of military members and veterans, veteran caregivers, and first responders.

Jill Brenegan, VETART’s Art Therapist, hosts Mosaic Tile Art Therapy, while David Pirl and Dilley teach ceramic hand building and wheel workshops. Classes are suited for all skill levels and instruction is as hands-on or off as participants wish.

In addition to classes, participants are welcome to utilize the studio for their individual art practice during these times. It is common to see artists sculpting, glass casting, and painting.

It is a great space for veterans to decompress, socialize and make messes.

Maria Ysela Galvan, an Army veteran, has been going to the studio since 2019, “The studio is a place for me to socialize and make things I didn’t even know I could. Putting your mind into making art is very healing for the body. I highly recommend the studio to anyone I bump into.”

POP-UP ARTS CAFE

Partnered with the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission (MSHOC), a California state agency, VETART is entering the third year of its state-wide arts campaign. During the calendar year of 2022, VETART has hosted “Pop-Up Art Cafés” in Shasta, Riverside, and Los Angeles County. These shows feature veteran artists of many mediums and provide them with a space to display and sell their work while connecting with our veteran artists in their area.

The Pop-Up Cafés are designed to engage in dialogue, foster networking, and speak directly to the unique experiences and mental health challenges of the extended Veteran community in these challenging times.

VETART is currently preparing for its large statewide event which will be hosted on the west steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento. This event is aiming to remind policymakers of the importance and impact art has in many veterans’ lives. As a population that struggles with mental illness and suicide, art can be a healing and empowering force for the community. The event will be on October 12th, 2022, from 10 AM to 4 PM, California State Capitol (West Steps) 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814.

There will be displays, artwork, workshops, and music. All are welcome to attend!

“The pop-up cafés are awesome. I have been to seven now and I have loved everyone. I get to show my art, network with other artists, and get exposure. Also, they allow people to come support veteran artists directly. I am looking forward to displaying my art on the state capitol steps!” - Reginald Green

DoD SKILLBRIDGE LOCATION

To assist transitioning servicemembers gain civilian experience in the world of art, public health, and nonprofit management, VetArt is a proud host of a DoD SkillBridge location. Since its induction into the program in the winter of 2022, they have already hosted four interns – two former Airmen and two Sailors.

Unlike many rigid programs that are currently offered to servicemembers through this program, VetArt allows its interns to shape their experience to fit their goals and desire with only one set-in-stone rule – practice art making. Dilley is a true believer in wellness through art and he wants his interns to share that passion with him throughout their time with VetArt.

For one intern, their time at VetArt was dedicated to launching their creative brand and developing their artistic practice. With the goal of making art their livelihood following retirement from the Airforce, VetArt not only provided them with a space for art creation, but also assisted in forging connections, developing branding, and providing opportunities for exhibits.

Current Skillbridge Intern, Tammie Foster, had different goals when entering the program...

“I am working towards becoming a Clinical Therapist and my time with VetArt is a valuable bullet on my resume as I inch towards that goal. Not only will it look fantastic on grad school applications, but working and learning from Jill, our art therapist is providing me experience most psychology students do not receive until after they earn their bachelors!”

Although Tammie did not consider herself an artist before joining the VetArt team, becoming one is just a bonus! As Dilley intended, she is passionate about their mission statement and has experienced the healing she is helping provide through her work.