Art for Veterans With ARTSNET
“Healing Through The Arts”

How did Art Therapy Begin?

Visual expression has been used for healing throughout history, but art therapy did not emerge as a distinct profession until the 1940`s. In the early 20th century, psychiatrists became interested in the art work created by their patients. At around the same time, educators were discovering that children's art expressions reflected developmental, emotional and cognitive growth. By mid century, hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers increasingly began to include art therapy programs, underscoring the recognition that the creative process of art making enhanced recovery, health and wellness. As a result the profession of art therapy grew into an effective and important method of communication, assessment and treatment. Currently, the field of art therapy has gained attention in healthcare facilities throughout the U.S. and within the psychiatric, psychology, counseling, education and the arts.

Who can benefit from Art Therapy?

Everyone! Art Therapy is used in any area that involves people with feelings. Every feeling is a part of us. No feeling is more important than the other. There are platforms set up for breast cancer patients/survivors, Alzheimers, victims of violence, abuse, autism, brain injury and so much more. There are however, so many people out there who can benefit from art therapy, but there isn`t a platform set up for them. One huge example: our men and women in the armed forces and their families.

Creating a platform.

ARTSNET wants to provide a platform for our veterans and their families. ARTSNET is a non-profit organization that has provided cultural opportunities for over 500,000 people in North Tarrant County. We support every aspect of artistic expression. But we want to go a step further. Because ARTSNET has been involved in the community for over 30 years, we feel that our experience and stability lends itself to successfully creating the platform for our heroes.

How to sponsor a veteran:

Our goal at ARTSNET is to provide a 2 hour open studio for veterans to come and express on canvas what they struggle to express verbally. Our gift to our soldiers would be to provide a studio space, art supplies, instructors and an art therapist. To sponsor a veteran for a full year would cost $800 that is only $65 per month. This is a gift that not only benefits the veteran; it also affects their family as they start the healing process through positive creative expression. Consider sponsoring a veteran today! If you are interested in giving the gift of Art Therapy to a vet please call 817-283-3406 or e-mail lmcnamara@artsnetc.org
 
Art Therapy via painting
Art Therapy via art-based dialogues
Art Therapy via sculpting
Art Therapy via writing/poetry
Art Therapy via dance
Art Therapy involving the professional art therapists

Does Art Heal?
StarTelegram Article #1
StarTelegram Article #2
CBS 11 Video