The “Art of the BraveHeARTS” exhibition will be on view from January 12 – February 1 at the Armory Art Center. This multimedia exhibit features artwork created by our US Veterans in partnership with the VA Medical Center of W. Palm Beach.  These emerging artists learned to rejuvenate past artistic skills, improve their talents, heal with art, connect with others, and be part of a creative and safe environment at the Armory Art Center.  The public is invited to the Opening Reception on Friday, January 18.  The Rickie Report shares the details and some sneak peeks.  KUDOS to the Armory Art Center!

 

 

 

 

811 Park Place W. Palm Beach, FL 33401

(561) 832-1776 | armoryart.org | registrar@armoryart.org

US  Veterans  Heal  Through  Art  

at  the  Armory  Art  Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Art of the BraveHeARTS”

Opening  Reception:

Friday, January 18, 2019

 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Non-Members: $5 | Members: Free

US Veterans admitted for free with valid Military Veteran ID

East and Greenfield Galleries

Gallery hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Saturday, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm. Closed Sunday.

Exhibit is available January 12 – February 1, 2019

The BraveHeARTS initiative goal is to provide free classes to help veterans with being present, improving dexterity, enjoying a sense of accomplishment, learning new skills, rediscovering strengths, and increasing community re-entry skills.

 

 

Instructor Naomi Wallen pictured with class of Veterans who created

 BraveHeARTS T-Shirts in the printmaking studio.  Photo by Liza Niles

 

 

The outreach program and has served over 45 US veterans to date. A licensed mental health therapist or a certified art therapist and Armory instructors conduct the classes. Artwork in the exhibition will be from the classes in various media that the Armory offers: ceramics-wheel throwing and tile making, paper making, painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, and welding. Two different classes run weekly for 2-3 hours during each 6-7 week term.  Currently all of the veterans are selected to participate by the VA Medical Center of West Palm Beach. 

 

 

Veteran works with licensed mental health therapist Brian Wood to learn welding. 

Photo by Barry Schein

 

 

VA Creative Arts Therapist Sara E. Windrem explains that due to traumas many veterans don’t go to movie theaters and can’t go to the mall because of the crowds. The Armory has given the veterans a new comfort zone. Sara said, “I think people naturally know how to heal with art. Making them feel comfortable in a space and giving them the skills and the opportunity as a starting point is where the real healing and therapy takes place.”

 

 

Veterans explore ceramic tile making with instructor Dereck Decker

and  art therapist Maria Tritico.

 

 

The exhibition reception is Friday, January 18, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Exhibition attendees can meet some of the veterans, instructors, and mental health professionals. The cost to attend the opening reception is $5 for non-members, members can attend free. US Veterans admitted for free with valid Military Veteran ID. During normal gallery hours the exhibition is free and open to the public. 

 

 

Veterans created belt buckles in the jewelry studio at the Armory.  

Photo by Jeanne Martin

 

 

 

Private donors and grants fund the BraveHeARTS program. Those interested in supporting the Armory’s healing arts programs can contact Garrett Lovett at (561) 832-1776 or post their donation online at https://www.armoryart.org/healingarts.

 

 

 

About The Armory Art Center:

 

 

The Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The Armory has served the community for over 30 years. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from pre-school to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber, ceramics, and sculpture are held in 12 state-of–the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries. Exhibitions, lectures, and special events are open to the public.

 

For more information:

Visit www.armoryart.org

or

Call (561) 832-1776

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rickie Leiter, Publisher

Rickie@therickiereport.com   561-537-0291

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