Veterans Appreciation Day 2026 at ESSA
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Start:
November 7, 2026 9:30 am End:
November 7, 2026 3:30 pm Location:
Eureka Springs School of the Arts Price:
FREE |
A Day of Creativity, Community, and Appreciation
Each year, ESSA welcomes U.S. military veterans to campus for Veterans Appreciation Day, a free day of studio-based art and fine craft workshops.
Veterans can spend the day learning new skills alongside professional teaching artists, exploring ESSA’s studios, and connecting with fellow veterans. No previous art experience is required, and all workshop materials and lunch are provided at no cost to participants.
ESSA's Veterans Appreciation Day 2026
Saturday, November 7th
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Free lunch provided!
At the Eureka Springs School of the Arts
Registration
Veterans Appreciation Day is free for U.S. military veterans, but advance registration is required and workshop space is limited.
To register, contact ESSA at 479-253-5384.
Questions about the event? Phone: 479-253-5384 or e-mail: info@essa-art.org
2026 Workshops & Instructors
This year’s Veterans Appreciation Day features five creative workshops across the ESSA campus:
Stained Glass with Amber Capps
Explore stained glass techniques in ESSA’s Stained Glass Studio.
Woodcarving with Steve Walter
Learn the tools and techniques of woodcarving with ESSA instructor Steve Walter.
Blacksmithing with Michael Boardman
Step up to the forge for an introduction to blacksmithing and working with hot metal.
Printmaking with Jessica Ames-Russell
Explore printmaking techniques and create original printed artwork.
Alcohol Inks on Metal with Faith Cleveland
Work with vibrant alcohol inks on metal to create colorful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Workshop space is limited and advance registration is required.
Each year, veterans from across Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and surrounding states travel to Eureka Springs to participate in hands-on creative experiences led by professional artists and skilled instructors.
Whether trying a new artistic medium for the first time or building on existing creative interests, participants are encouraged to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process of making something meaningful.
The event reflects ESSA’s belief that art is vital to the human spirit and that creative experiences can foster connection, confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
What’s Included
Veterans Appreciation Day is completely free for participating U.S. military veterans. The day includes:
- Art and fine craft instruction
- All materials and supplies
- Lunch and refreshments
- Access to ESSA’s professional studio facilities
No prior art experience is required.
Whether you have never stepped into an art studio or have years of creative experience, Veterans Appreciation Day is designed to be accessible, engaging, and rewarding.
The Jim McCoy Veterans Fund
Veterans Appreciation Day is made possible through the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund.
Named in honor of Vietnam veteran and ESSA supporter Jim McCoy, the fund helps provide free creative opportunities for military veterans through workshops, special events, instructional support, materials, and outreach efforts.
Through the generosity of donors and community supporters, the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund helps ensure that veterans can participate in meaningful arts experiences regardless of financial circumstances.
If you would like to support Veterans Appreciation Day and ESSA’s Art for Veterans initiatives, please consider making a contribution to the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund.
ESSA's Commitment to Veterans
ESSA believes that creative experiences can foster connection, learning, and personal growth. Through Veterans Appreciation Day and the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund, ESSA works to provide meaningful opportunities for veterans to explore art, build community, and participate in hands-on creative experiences.
Veterans Appreciation Day is one of several ways ESSA honors military service while expanding access to arts education in the Ozarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veterans Appreciation Day is open to U.S. military veterans. The event is designed to honor veterans through free creative experiences, community connection, and hands-on learning.
Yes. Veterans Appreciation Day is offered free of charge to participating veterans through support from the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund and community donors.
No. Veterans Appreciation Day is designed for all experience levels. Beginners are welcome, and instructors provide guidance throughout each activity.
Participants can choose from Stained Glass with Amber Capps, Woodcarving with Steve Walter, Blacksmithing with Michael Boardman, Printmaking with Jessica Ames-Russell, and Alcohol Inks on Metal with Faith Cleveland.
The event takes place at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts campus located at 15751 Highway 62 West in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Yes. Lunch is provided for participating veterans as part of the event experience.
Yes. Advance registration is required, and space in individual workshops is limited.
Contact ESSA at 479-253-5384 to register.
You can support Veterans Appreciation Day by donating to the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund, which helps provide free workshops, materials, instruction, meals, and outreach for veterans.
Learn more about past Veterans Appreciation Day and Veterans Events by checking out these blogs:
On Saturday, November 15th, the Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) welcomed Veterans to campus for Veterans Appreciation Day […]
A Day of Appreciation and Community Through Art On November 16, 2024, the Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) […]
The Power of Art in Healing and Connection ESSA’s mission is built on the belief that art nurtures the human […]