Creative Forces
Interdisciplinary Art Classes for Veterans
Veteran and former Arts Council Board Member, Neal Joiner, established a partnership with the Cape VA’s Whole Health Program in 2023. He wanted to teach an oil painting class to fellow veterans, so the VA committed to filling the class and providing the supplies and we offered to host it in our gallery space. It took very little time to realize just how special this program was.
Before the first session had even ended, more painting classes were scheduled. Another VA member learned about the art classes and requested to teach beginner guitar lessons, so that was added to the calendar as well. Not long after, our Director began offering yoga classes, and that’s when this partnership with the VA bloomed into interdisciplinary arts programming.
The Arts Council is honored to be able to provide a space for veterans to heal, learn, and have fun. We believe in the power of community, and Creative Forces is a prime example of how coming together in the name of art can truly change lives.
How Creative Forces Began
Covered Bridge Oil Painting by Tom F
If you are a veteran interested in Creative Forces, please call the the Cape Girardeau VA Health Care Center. Once you are established within the VA, they will be able to discuss the Whole Health Program with you and get you signed up for classes.
How to Get Involved
Work in Progess Oil Painting of Flowers
If you would like to support this program, please consider becoming a Sustaining Donor.
How to Support
We also offer an Individual Event Sponsor option for supporting the program.