Who Says Art Heals?

Veterans and their families are hurting.  Soldiers come home and supress their emotions from the war and attempt to go on with life as usual.  Children of our heroes deal with criticism from peers because their parent(s) are overseas.  Art Therapy provides the opportunity for non-verbal expression and communication.  The use of art as therapy can be means of both reconciling and emtional conflicts and of fostering self awareness and person growth of everyone invloved.

ARTSNET is a non-profit organization in Texas that serves 500,000 residents or North Tarrant County.  Chartered in 1975, ARTSNET has had one goal in mind, Improving the quality of life for everyone through the arts. Art Therapy has been used for many areas such as autism, depression, posttraumatic stress disorders etc.  However, it had come to our attentions that Art Therapy has a huge place in the lives of our veterans and their famlies.

A man in his mid thirties, standing 6'5" weighing about 320lbs., who served as a counter intelligence agent, first cavalry division (combat zone) in the first gulf war, held an art exhibit.  Upon talking with him he mentioned many times how using art to express conscious and sub-conscious feelings has really changed his life for the better.  When asked if he feels that art has helped the healing process, he emphatically responded with, "absolutely!"

Art for Veterans homepage
StarTelegram Article