New free art course for veterans to explore creativity and connection

The program designed to give veterans an artistic outlet kicks off its inaugural year April 1. (Photo from ABC 33/40)

Delaware veterans now have a unique opportunity to unleash their creativity through a new, free eight-week art course called CreatiVeterans.

The program, designed specifically for veterans, will be offered at convenient locations across the state and is set to provide participants with a chance to explore various artistic techniques and mediums.

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CreatiVeterans, which requires no prior artistic experience, is led by a trained teaching artist who will guide participants through each step of the artistic process.

“The arts have an extraordinary ability to connect and inspire,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “CreatiVeterans offers our veteran community an outlet to explore creativity while fostering camaraderie and personal growth. We are thrilled to make these opportunities accessible statewide.”

The program aims to foster self-expression, offer a space for veterans to connect with one another, and highlight the power of creativity.

At the end of the course, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their artwork in an exhibition, inviting friends, family, and the community to witness their artistic achievements.

This pilot program is a collaboration between the Delaware Division of the Arts, the Office of Veterans Services, and Mariposa Arts.

It offers veterans an inclusive and supportive environment to explore their artistic potential, whether they are newcomers to the arts or seasoned artists.

By combining creativity with camaraderie, CreatiVeterans seeks to provide veterans with an enriching experience that promotes personal growth and community connection.

“This gives veterans a beneficial outlet that isn’t connected to military or veteran treatment directly,” said Miranda Mal, acting director for the Office of Veterans Services in the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. “It fosters a sense of community and accomplishment by the end of the course. We’re very proud of the program partnership.”

Spring session – New Castle 

Cultivating Creativity (taught by Dr. Traci Currie)

This class focuses on sharing who you are through storytelling. We will start with exercises that revolve around the power of our names and what our names mean to us. Most of the ‘naming’ exercises will lead us to share stories about who we are. Over the course, we will write, create visual collages, work in groups, and listen to each other’s stories.

The workshop series will culminate with a celebratory event featuring the participants’ artwork. No previous experience is necessary.

Location: Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.  You need not reside in the county that the program is being held at.

Cost: FREE for Delaware veterans

Class limit: 12 participants

Class Schedule: Classes will occur on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates:

• April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• May 6, 13, 20
• Culminating event: May 27
• Participants should expect to attend all class sessions.

Click here to register.

Spring Session – Kent County

The Joy of Drawing (taught by Rebecca Howell)

Embrace your inner artist in a class that encourages experimentation and self-expression. This course introduces a variety of materials and unique approaches to drawing for the sake of joy. Materials used include pencil, charcoal, pen, ink, and pastel.

The workshop series will culminate with a celebratory event featuring the participants’ artwork. No previous experience is necessary.

Location: Smyrna Opera House, 7 W South Street, Smyrna, DE 19977.  You need not reside in the county that the program is being held at.

Cost: FREE for Delaware veterans

Class limit: 12 participants

Class Schedule: Classes will occur on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30pm on the following dates:

• April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• May 6, 13, 20
• Culminating event: May 27
• Participants should expect to attend all class sessions.

Click here to register.

Jarek Rutz

Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.

Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.