Alaska's Healing Hearts Launches Free Art Program for Veterans
Contributed by James Hastings
WASILLA, Alaska - Alaska's Healing Hearts, a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor recreational & rehabilitative and reintegration programs for military and veterans and their families across Alaska and nationwide has announced the launch of a new Art Program. AHH is excited to offer an additional creative outlet for veterans to help in their healing process.
The program will be taught by professional artists who will cover basic shapes, shading, and perspective initially, followed by sketching and color theory and mixing with other art media and techniques. The program will be available to all military and veterans, regardless of their artistic experience.
Classes will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month from April through October and the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from November to March. The first class will be held on April 25, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. at 2050 North Merciful Circle, Wasilla, Alaska.
According to Alaska's Healing Hearts, the art program is aimed at providing veterans with an opportunity to express themselves creatively and gain a sense of accomplishment. The program also aims to help participants develop new skills, relieve stress, and build relationships with other veterans in their community.
Organizational leadership expressed excitement about the program's launch, saying, "We are thrilled to be offering this new Art Program. Our organizational mission is to help veterans heal from the physical and emotional wounds of war through various outlets focused on expression and communication and we believe that art therapy can be a valuable tool in that process."
Alaska's Healing Hearts has been providing outdoor programs for military veterans since 2010. The organization offers a range of programs, including camps, hiking, snowshoeing, side-by-side UTV and snowmobile trail rides trips among numerous other outdoor activities. The organization's programs are free to all military and veterans, and their families are also invited to participate.
The new Art Program is part of the organization's ongoing efforts to expand its offerings and help more veterans. The program is made possible through the support of donors and volunteers. Eligible persons interested in participating in the Art Program can sign up on the Alaska's Healing Hearts website. The program is open to all military and veterans, regardless of their artistic experience. Participants will be provided basic supplies to begin this next journey of learning.
Alaska's Healing Hearts is very proud to add the Art Program to its range of programs, helping veterans heal and connect with their communities. For more information on the Art Program and Alaska's Healing Hearts, visit their website at www.alaskashealinghearts.com/artprogram