The Art of Honor: Veterans Appreciation Day 2025
On Saturday, November 15th, the Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) welcomed Veterans to campus for Veterans Appreciation Day 2025, a celebration that blended creativity, community, and heartfelt gratitude. This annual event has become one of ESSA’s most meaningful traditions; a day devoted to honoring military Veterans through the healing power of art.
A Day Designed for Discovery and Connection
From the moment Veterans arrived, there was a sense of anticipation across campus. Participants came with unique stories and backgrounds, some through ESSA’s partnership with the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks, and others who registered independently to be part of this special day. No matter how they arrived, each Veteran brought something important to ESSA’s studios.
Throughout the day, roughly 25 Veterans explored complimentary workshops led by skilled instructors. These art and fine craft workshops for Veterans offered opportunities to try new techniques, reconnect with creativity, and make something meaningful.
Copper Jewelry
with instructor Mary Lou Christie
The studios buzzed with discovery and camaraderie. With each project completed, Veterans were reminded of their own resilience, skill, and ability to create something beautiful.
Participants shared heartfelt reflections throughout the day. One Veteran wrote, “I created something I had never done and it was therapeutic too!” Another said simply, “Fantastic! Didn’t want to leave.” These words speak to the deeper purpose behind ESSA’s Art for Veterans Program: providing connection, calm, and renewed confidence through creativity.
Jim McCoy’s Legacy Lives On
The heart of ESSA’s Veteran-focused programming is the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund, named for Vietnam veteran and beloved ESSA staff member Jim McCoy. Jim believed fiercely in the restorative nature of art and envisioned a lasting program that would uplift fellow Veterans through creative experiences.
His spirit is present in every Veterans workshop, every Veterans Appreciation Day, and every outreach event ESSA provides. Today, the Art for Veterans Program continues to grow because of Jim’s vision, and because of donors who believe in the impact of art-based support for Veterans.
Jim and Kathy McCoy
Why Art Matters for Veterans
ESSA’s commitment to Veterans reflects a core belief woven into the school’s mission: art is vital to the human spirit. For Veterans, especially those navigating transition, trauma, or isolation, art provides more than a pastime; it creates a pathway toward healing and self-expression.
Since 2018, ESSA has offered free art programs for Veterans, many through collaborations with the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks. These workshops have consistently shown their ability to reduce stress, build community, and help Veterans reconnect with creativity in a supportive environment.
Veterans come to ESSA seeking to learn something new.
They leave reminded of their own strength and possibility.
Made Possible Through Community Support
Veterans Appreciation Day 2025 was made possible by generous support from:
Their contributions, combined with donations to the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund, ensure that ESSA’s Veterans programming remains accessible, high-quality, and deeply meaningful.
A delicious lunch was provided for all participants from the generous donation of ESSA’s Veteran’s Appreciation Day sponsor, Sunfest Market of Holiday Island, AR.
Support the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund
ESSA is dedicated to offering these programs free of charge to all Veterans. To sustain and grow this work, we rely on the generosity of donors moved by our mission and by the impact of Veterans Appreciation Day.
If this event, Jim McCoy’s legacy, or the stories shared by our participants resonate with you, we invite you to contribute to the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund. Your support directly funds materials, instruction, outreach, and the continuation of these transformative experiences.
Every donation strengthens ESSA’s ability to serve those who have served our country.
Every gift helps honor Veterans through creativity.
Thank you to every Veteran who joined us for Veterans Appreciation Day 2025. Your presence, courage, and creativity inspire ESSA every year.
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.
