Here it is almost the end of May 2021, and as more and more people get vaccinated, it looks like we are emerging from our cocoons. I know I am excited to get out and about again. And just in time, because through funding from a Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Art Spark Texas is supporting an expansion of Veteran programs across the state of Texas. We are excited to be a part of bringing the following artistic programs to Texans all across the state.
The Pharr Community Theater Company in Pharr, Texas started Screenwriting and Acting Classes for Veterans and Families this week. This is their first time reaching out to a veteran population specifically, and they far surpassed their goal of ten students per class.
Down South Word of Mouth in San Marcos, Texas is reaching out to Veteran Courts to offer a nine week Writing Forward course to Veterans in crisis. This course seeks to create a safe space for veterans in crisis to critically explore themselves and the world around them through the written word.
Bihl Haus Arts in San Antonio, Texas is able to continue offering their three Forward Arts! classes this summer. These include a collaboration with Vet TRIIP San Antonio which serves veterans with PTSD and depression. Another is a class for women Veterans with MST and PTSD being conducted in collaboration with The Pink Berets of Boerne, Texas. The third is an Expressive Arts class, a gentle technique of self-discovery and self-healing that utilizes both sides of the brain. For more information, click here.
The fourth funding opportunity Art Spark is providing is to Camp V in Tyler, Texas, which is working with local Veterans to create a mural on their campus. The wall is currently being prepped and will be ready for the veterans to get started very soon! The mural will be painted on the exterior wall adjacent to the main parking lot, and measures 8 ft. high x 108 ft. wide. The image will honor all branches of the military in a black and gray color scheme using a silhouette style. For more information, click here.
More wonderful things are happening for Veterans as well! Art Spark Texas friend, Veteran Tom Morrissey in Texarkana, Texas, is opening his 3,000 square foot studio space in the Texarkana Historic Downtown District. A kick-off event celebrating Downtown Texarkana is taking place Friday night May 21st with over 15 artists doing live painting.
What’s going on in your community? We want to know!