Page 14 - Southern Exposure - February '20

Page 14, Southern Exposure

art happeningS from page 13
Original Works By Veterans Of The U.S. Armed Forces

BraveHeARTS: Training Emerging Artists Of United States Veterans

Reveals Stunning Showcase Of Healing And Reprise

Amid a shining showcase of original artist works of the program are to help veterans with being present,
by veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, 100-plus guests improving dexterity, a sense of accomplishment, learn new
gathered to celebrate, honor, and meet the artists at a skills, and rediscover strengths, while increasing use of
special VIP reception, held on Jan. 10, at the Armory community resources and community re-entry skills.
Art Center, 811 Park Place, in West Palm Beach. BraveHeARTS’ vision is to provide the opportunity
BraveHeARTS: Training Emerging Artists of United for veterans to improve overall health and well-being
States Veterans, displayed in January at the Armory’s East through active participation in visual arts programs,
& Greenfield Galleries, offered a truly powerful showcase with co-teaching with an Armory Art Center instructor
of healing and reprise. and an art therapist/mental health counselor. The scope
While attendees perused the galleries, taking in the of the program is to achieve optimal health benefits for
diverse collection of unique works created from an veteran participants through various art mediums, such
exciting variety of mediums of metalsmithing, textiles, as ceramics, printmaking, jewelry and metalsmithing,
painting, and printmaking, they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, sculpture, textiles, painting, and photography. Course
beverages, and conversation with the artists. Highlighting offerings run in 5 to 7 week sessions; each session-medium
a short program were remarks by Tom Pearson, executive Veteran Jim Perkins with porcelain figures and stoneware varies. All courses are organized by the Chief of Education
director of the Armory Art Center. mugs he created at the Armory and Exhibitions at the Armory Art Center.
“It is our privilege to nurture
and showcase the talents of our
brave veterans, and honor them
in person with friends and guests
here tonight,” Pearson said.
Also on the program, Buzz
Bryan, outreach coordinator of
the Veteran’s Administration, a
partner in the program’s success,
remarked that to date, there have
been more than 200 veterans
who have been working with the
Armory instructors and mental
health therapists. “It is amazing Sara Windrem, Creative Arts Therapist, VA Navy veteran, Walter “2E” Smith exhibited Native
to me what some of you have Evelyn Dodd had a creative and healing Medical Center and Liza Niles, Chief of Education American inspired prints and nature photography
created in here … Art is bridging breakthrough with the quilting created in the and Exhibitions co-created and implement the in the BraveHeARTS exhibition in January.
the military and civilian divide,” BraveHeARTS program. BraveHeARTS program.
Bryan said.
Artists Who Exhibited In BraveHEARTS: Training Mildred Smith, Walter “2 E” Smith, Pam Speers, About The Armory Art Center
Emerging Artists Of United States Veterans, Include Patricia Stephens, Robert Stinnette, Kortney Trebnik, The Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries
A highlight of the evening was laced in the stories Michael Vascellaro, Melissa Wade, Marion Wells, Karen provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The
shared by the artists. One exhibiting artist, who moved a Wheelhouse, and Daniel Wilkerson. Armory has served the community for over 30 years. The
few weeks ago, drove more than 100 miles to appear at About The Exhibition mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation
the opening reception; another shared that he struggled BraveHeARTS: Training Emerging Artists of United and experience of art and the Armory’s vision is to be the
with grief after losing his spouse a year ago, sharing with States Veterans, an annual, multimedia exhibit features leading community resource for arts education. For more
guests that they found a new creative outlet by coming to artwork created at the Armory Art Center by U.S. information, or to make a donation, visit www.armoryart.
Around Town on page 15 the Armory Art Center. veterans, in partnership with the VA Medical Center of org or call (561) 832-1776.
Participating artists were Claudia Boyer, Delores West Palm Beach. During the BraveHeARTS sessions, To support our healing arts programs, visit armoryart.
Caffey, Patricia Cenek-Campbell, Peter Dascanio, Evelyn these emerging artists learn to rejuvenate past artistic org/healingarts or contact Natalie Beck at (561) 832-1776
Dodd, Megan Dirsa-Dubois, Christina Fox, Randy skills, improve their talents, heal with art, connect with Ext.100. Veterans should contact Sara Windrem, Creative
Hamiln, Jim Hawkins, Jennifer Hughes, Judy Kephart, others, and be a part of a creative venue for expression. Arts Therapist, VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach
Margaret Kozyra, John Madden, Jose Madera, Judith The diverse visual arts program is designed to promote at (561) 422-7309 for preapproval and enrollment.
McDermott, Corky Mitchell, Chris Outlaw, Jim Perkins, the rehabilitation of military service veterans, foster self-
Frank Plescia, Deborah Quon, Yolette Sanguinetti, esteem, nurture talent, and develop new skills. Objectives Photos by Jeanne Martin

Bill Barbosa Signature Photography

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