Art therapy helps Veterans process complex emotions

Detroit VA’s art therapy program allows Veterans to express their emotions through the creation of art. Led by creative arts therapist Shelley Knoodle, Veterans meet in groups to explore their feelings and create a range of artworks. Veterans, who often do not consider themselves artists in the traditional sense, find joy and healing through the act of creation.

The art therapy program partners with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) for two four-week workshops throughout the year. During the workshops, participants gain inspiration from the DIA’s art collection before spending time in the studio to create their own masterpieces.

“It was suggested to me to try art therapy by my counselor and social worker at the VA,” said Darren Lapsley, Marine Corps Veteran. “I went in, got into the program and loved it. It helped me process some complex emotions that I had been pushing down for a long time. I was able to overcome that through art therapy and learn how to process emotions through it.”

“It’s amazing to have something displayed at DIA.”

At the end of the year, the DIA displays participating Veterans’ art through the Community Group Art Exhibition. It provides the opportunity for a variety of community service programs across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to showcase the art they created during their workshops.

Detroit VA was one of the first participants in the program. This year, Veteran participants created prints and clay ceramic footprints depicting objects and places that bring them joy.

Navy Veteran Lisa Corrigan’s footprint included various scenes of her travels, showcasing a cruise ship, a cuckoo clock from Germany, buildings in Spain, the Rock of Gibraltar, Hidden Lake in Alaska and a Canadian mountain range where she has family.

“It feels amazing to have something displayed at the DIA. Never in a million years would I have expected to have something there,” said Navy Veteran Brigette Perry. “Art has helped me be able to deal with my emotions. Sometimes you don’t know how to express them or get them out but it just flows through the art.”

Additional information is available on the DIA website.