Giving Back Through Art: ESSA’s Veterans Program Honors Those Who Sacrificed for Our Country
The Power of Art in Healing and Connection
ESSA’s mission is built on the belief that art nurtures the human spirit, offering a unique avenue for self-discovery, peace, and healing. As a nonprofit dedicated to arts and fine craft, ESSA is passionate about making art accessible to everyone. Programs like our Veterans Workshops are especially meaningful as they serve those who have served us, providing a space for connection, growth, and emotional healing.
A Look Back at ESSA’s 2024 Veterans Workshops
In 2024, ESSA’s Veterans Program featured a diverse lineup of free workshops, each offering veterans a different medium to explore:
Shaker Bench Workshop with Steve Walter
March 28, 2024: Woodworking instructor Steve Walter led veterans in crafting traditional Shaker benches in ESSA’s Windgate Wood Studio.
Copper Cuffs Workshop with Mary Lou Christie
June 21, 2024: Small metals artist Mary Lou Christie taught veterans the art of creating copper cuffs, blending creativity and fine metalwork.
Learn more about this workshop and ESSA’s DVNF grant here by reading the blog post below:
The Power of Art in Healing and Connection ESSA’s mission is built on the belief that art nurtures the human […]
Box Making Workshop with Ray Taylor
July 11, 2024: Ray Taylor, a seasoned woodworker and member of the Stateline Woodturners, instructed veterans on making small, intricately crafted wooden boxes. Ray, a Pentagon veteran from 9/11, has a unique connection to the service community, making his workshops deeply resonant.
Watch this video to learn more about Ray Taylor and his 9/11 experience at the Pentagon:
Printmaking Workshop with Dawn Ward
August 28, 2024: Interdisciplinary artist Dawn Ward introduced veterans to block printing, allowing them to transform personal designs into unique prints, from lions to mountain landscapes.
Alcohol Inks on Metal with Faith Cleveland
October 3, 2024: Veterans explored fluid art with Faith Cleveland, using vibrant alcohol inks on metal surfaces for a dynamic creative experience.
Veterans Appreciation Day Event: A Celebration of Art and Community
Each year, ESSA holds a Veterans Appreciation Day event filled with creative workshops in diverse mediums, all free of charge for U.S. military veterans. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Veterans can participate in a variety of workshops, including Metal Sculpture, Small Metals, Clock Making, Candy Bowl and Foot Massager crafting, and Reverse Glass Painting. Lunch will be provided, and all materials are covered through donations to the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund and a 2024 grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation.
Remembering Jim McCoy Through the Veterans Fund
The Jim McCoy Veterans Fund was established in memory of Jim McCoy, a dedicated veteran and supporter of ESSA’s mission. This fund provides resources for ESSA to offer free art workshops to veterans, creating a welcoming community that fosters creativity, learning, and healing. Donations ensure ESSA can continue providing these opportunities for veterans to connect, create, and find joy in artistic expression.
Jim McCoy
Join ESSA in Supporting Our Veterans
With your help, ESSA’s Veterans Program will continue to provide invaluable art opportunities to those who served. Together, let’s give back to our veterans, honoring their sacrifices and celebrating their creativity.
Thank you to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation for helping support our 2024 Veterans Program,
To learn more about ESSA, its transformative programs, or how you can help foster creativity, visit essa-art.org, sign up for our mailing list, or follow us on social media:
Media Inquiries
For members of the media interested in learning more about the Eureka Springs School of the Arts, our Veterans Program, or the impact of our arts education programs, please contact ESSA’s communications team. We’re happy to provide additional information, images, and arrange interviews with ESSA staff or event participants.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to:
Chrissie Heavenridge
Email: marketing@essa-art.org
Phone: (479) 253-5384
Website: essa-art.org
Thank you for helping us share the story of how community support is shaping the future of the arts.
