Arts in Service Exhibition: See Artwork by Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members

April 19, 2018

Earlier this year Mesa Arts Center launched a new engagement program geared toward supporting one of our country’s greatest assets: our service members and veterans. Arts in Service provides creative pathways for veterans and active duty service members to use studio arts experiences in reaching their personal goals, whether those are finding a supportive community, stress relief, working toward overall health and wellness, or pursuing career interests in art making.

Thanks in large part to a generous grant from The Boeing Company, this program offers free art classes like welding, ceramics, watercolor, jewelry and flameworking exclusively for veterans and active-duty service members. The program culminates with a free exhibition of artwork created by program participants, on Friday, May 4, 5-7 p.m. in the Drawing and Painting Studio and Courtyard at MAC.

“The Arts in Service program is valuable for many reasons,” said United States Air Force Veteran and Arts in Service participant, Caryn Walsh. “Being in a group of veterans who share the experience of military service is indescribable. Seeing my peers with service-related injuries, and stresses alongside me means many things. Not having to explain my experiences which define me and are, frankly, unrelatable to the majority of Americans is a relief... I feel comfortable to learn what I can, at my own speed.”

To date, nearly 70 individuals have participated in Arts in Service arts classes offered through the program. Everyone is invited to attend the exhibition! RSVP by emailing or by calling 480-644-6564.