Art therapy gives Veterans purpose and passion

With the help of a skilled art instructor, 25 pounds of ceramic clay and an open studio, Veterans tapped into a community they had yet to discover. Leaping out of their comfort zones, they learned pottery techniques through the new offering of art therapy at local community partner Lighthouse ArtCenter.

Veterans did more than reshape blocks of clay into intimate, functional objects. Their creations of ceramic pots, vases, candle holders and more symbolize their reshaped mindset that art has spurred at their core.

Achievement an immense sense of pride for class

Lighthouse ArtCenter Executive Director Jeni Licata says, “These art sessions offer Veterans a chance to immerse themselves in the community and find a space where they truly feel comfortable. The first week the Veterans were timid to work with clay and, now in week four, they are excited to keep coming back. Their art is making an impact; that is the goal.”

Veteran reclaims her creativity

With a mind she compares to a whirlwind, Air Force Veteran Rachel Dunn is not one to step outside of what she refers to her as her ‘shell,’ but with art therapy, Dunn has taken recent strides. Now, she is quick to challenge herself and reclaim her creativity as an artist (prior to her military service).

Just as the fire ignites to glaze clay, Dunn’s passion for art was reignited as each weekly art session progressed. The rediscovered artist says, “Being at my home is my safety harbor but also my prison with my anxiety because I can tend to be locked in my thoughts. When I show up and build pottery, my mind is focused and is my form of mindfulness for me as I sculpt my creations.”

Each method learned, whether it was to coil or pinch, was another achievement for Veterans that brought an immense sense of pride. Between the paint splatters and hands-on experience, together the Veterans began with clay from scratch to pieces they can take home.

The sense of achievement felt foreign to some Veterans participating in the art sessions as the recent times of the pandemic has secluded them to the familiar walls of their home. As each creation was completed, the ArtCenter felt more and more like their new home.

“This activity broke my wall down. Try it.”

Said best by an expert, Creative Arts Therapist Sara Windrem, West Palm Beach VA, emphasizes, “Integrating Veterans through arts gives them a purpose and passion. I have had the pleasure to witness them find their new home base and community at the Lighthouse ArtCenter.”

Art Therapy offers a form of expression that otherwise would have remain bottled in the minds of the Veterans if not for the sessions. Their new home base is more than a studio filled with paint brushes and clay tools. It is proof that Veterans can willingly break from their shells.

Take it from Dunn who says, “I found a connection with this activity that broke my wall completely down. I found courage. You have a choice to try it and challenge yourself. Try it.”