Celebrating the Empowerment of Veterans through Art: Veterans Shine in ESSA’s Small Metals Workshop
Forging New Paths: ESSA’s Commitment to Veteran Empowerment Through Art
The Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) is delighted to announce that it has received a Capacity Building grant of $6,600 from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) to bolster its Art for Veterans Program. This generous grant will enable ESSA to continue offering free art and fine craft workshops annually, benefiting 50-60 local and regional veterans.
Since its inception in 2018, the Art for Veterans Program has been a cornerstone of ESSA’s commitment to the veteran community. It started with the inaugural ESSA Veterans Appreciation Day and has since expanded to include a range of workshops in collaboration with the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks. These workshops, integrated into the recreational programming for veterans receiving in-patient care at the Fayetteville, AR facility, have grown in popularity and impact.
A Glimpse into the Small Metals Workshop
ESSA held a special veterans workshop in June of 2024 with instructor Mary Lou Christie, where retired veterans from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Fayetteville, Arkansas, had the opportunity to immerse themselves in ESSA’s Small Metals Studio. This one-day workshop focused on creating Copper Cuffs.
Participants engaged with various tools and techniques, including using an acetylene torch, soldering metal, and texturing and forming their bracelets. This hands-on experience not only imparted valuable skills but also fostered a sense of creativity and accomplishment among the veterans.
The Impact of the DVNF Grant
Kelly McDonough, ESSA’s Executive Director, emphasized the significance of the DVNF grant, stating, “This grant from DVNF strengthens veterans programming at ESSA and we are very grateful to have our program recognized on a national level with this grant.” The financial support from DVNF is a testament to the program’s success and its positive impact on the veteran community.
Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt.Maj. Ret.), CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to support ESSA’s Art for Veterans Program. The dedication and creativity fostered through these workshops not only provide therapeutic benefits but also empower veterans by giving them new skills and a sense of accomplishment. This program is a testament to the positive impact that community support and engagement can have on our veterans’ lives.”
ESSA’s Commitment to Artistic Expression
At the heart of ESSA’s mission is the belief that art is vital to the human spirit. ESSA is dedicated to cultivating, promoting, and encouraging artistic expression by providing art and fine craft education opportunities for students of all levels in a unique environment of beauty and creativity. As a non-profit school of art and fine craft, ESSA strives to offer a variety of free programming to the community, with a special focus on serving veterans.
The Small Metals Workshop is just one example of how ESSA is making a difference in the lives of veterans. Through these creative endeavors, veterans not only gain new skills but also find a therapeutic outlet that can enhance their overall well-being.
ESSA is proud to continue its support for veterans through these valuable programs, thanks to the generosity of organizations like the DVNF. As the Art for Veterans Program grows, ESSA remains committed to providing enriching and empowering experiences for those who have served our country.
Thank you to the veterans who participated in this very special workshop.
