Honoring Service Through Creativity: ESSA’s Veterans Appreciation Day 2024
A Day of Appreciation and Community Through Art
On November 16, 2024, the Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) opened its doors to over 30 U.S. military veterans and one lovable canine companion for a memorable Veterans Appreciation Day. This annual event, dedicated to celebrating and supporting those who have served, embodied ESSA’s mission to foster healing, growth, and community through art and fine craft.
A Creative Haven for Veterans
Veterans enjoyed a full day of complimentary workshops led by skilled instructors, spanning a variety of artistic disciplines. Each class offered participants a chance to explore their creativity while building connections with fellow veterans and instructors. Here’s a closer look at the inspiring workshops:
Metal Sculpture with Bobby Babcock
Veterans delved into metal fabrication techniques to craft enduring art pieces using plasma cutting and welding to create fun steel sculptures.
Intro to Small Metals with Mary Lou Christie
Participants learned foundational metal smithing skills, creating bracelets, pendants, and earrings while exploring techniques like enameling and flame painting.
Make a Small Clock with Ray Taylor
This woodworking workshop guided veterans in designing and constructing functional clocks that combined practicality with artistic flair.
Make a Candy Bowl & Foot Massager with Steve Walter
Veterans crafted spindle-turned foot massagers and charming candy bowls with just three essential tools.
Reverse Glass Painting with James White
Veterans embraced the unique art of painting from behind glass, producing vibrant, layered designs.
A Taste of Gratitude
A delicious lunch, generously provided by Sunfest Market and the Elks Lodge of Holiday Island, AR, brought everyone together to share a meal and moments of camaraderie. The fried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, bread, and cookies were a heartfelt reminder of the community’s gratitude for their service.
ESSA Events Coordinator, Dawn Ward, serves Veterans Appreciation Day guests
A group of Veterans and ESSA staff members enjoy lunch together, courtesy of Sunfest Market in Holiday Island, AR
The Impact of Generosity
ESSA’s Veterans Appreciation Day was made possible by donations to the Jim McCoy Veterans Fund and the support of sponsors like the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), Elks USA, and Sunfest Market. These contributions ensure that ESSA can continue to provide free workshops and programming tailored to the needs of veterans.
The Jim McCoy Veterans Fund, named in honor of a decorated Vietnam veteran and cherished ESSA staff member, sustains the school’s commitment to supporting veterans through art. Jim’s vision lives on in ESSA’s outreach programs, which empower veterans to heal and thrive through creative expression.
Forging New Paths: ESSA’s Art for Veterans Program
Since 2018, ESSA’s Art for Veterans Program has expanded to offer workshops integrated into the recreational programming of the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks. This initiative, bolstered by a $6,600 Capacity Building Grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation in 2024, brings the transformative power of art to dozens of local and regional veterans each year.
Gratitude and Commitment
ESSA extends its heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making Veterans Appreciation Day a success. Your generosity enables the school to continue fostering healing through art while giving back to those who have given so much.
To the veterans who attended and to all who have served: it is an honor to celebrate your contributions and sacrifices. Through art, community, and shared creativity, ESSA proudly supports your journey of healing and growth.
For those inspired to support ESSA’s mission, donations to the Jim McCoy Veterans Program can be made here. Together, we can continue to make a difference.
A special thanks to ESSA's 2024 Veterans Program Sponsors:
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.
