When Tina Claflin first came across the Veterans and the Arts Initiative at George Mason University, she felt a spark of curiosity. As a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, she knew all too well the difficulty of finding spaces that truly grasped the intricacies of military life—particularly for women. "I was in the military for over two decades," Claflin recalls. "In a structured, male-dominated environment, you rarely get the opportunity to explore your creative side."
This experience is shared by many women who have served. Women Veterans often find their experiences overlooked or misunderstood in broader society. But the Veterans and the Arts Initiative is changing that narrative.
Launched in 2014 at George Mason University, the Veterans and the Arts Initiative was designed to create a welcoming environment for Veterans, Service members, military family members, and military caregivers. What began as annual Veterans Day celebrations has since expanded into a thriving community, engaging over 16,000 military-connected individuals.
Guided by core values of diversity and inclusivity, the Initiative offers free arts workshops that nurture creativity while fostering a sense of community. It's a place where Veterans can delve into artistic expression, share their personal stories, and find a sense of belonging that can be hard to develop in civilian life.
U.S. Navy Veteran Rhonda Honegger discovered the program while searching for events at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, where the Veterans and the Arts Initiative is headquartered. "When you're with other female Veterans, there's an instant bond," she says. "We've all faced the challenges of serving in a male-dominated field. Here, there's no need for explanations—we're just understood."
The Initiative offers more than just art classes; it cultivates a community where women Veterans can connect deeply, sharing stories and experiences that often go unheard in mixed-gender settings.
Reflecting on a smartphone photography workshop, Honegger recalls, "It wasn't just about learning how to take photos," she explains. "It was about capturing our stories through those images. That experience inspired me to take iPhone photography more seriously, and I even joined a local photography club because of it."
Dawn Harrison, another recent participant and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, shares a similar perspective. The Initiative has become a space of discovery and reconnection for her. "I met someone here who was stationed at the same duty station as I was back in the 1990s," Dawn shares. "It felt like reuniting with an old friend. We've kept in touch ever since." These moments of reconnection, she believes, are invaluable. "Being in a room full of people who 'get it'—there's nothing else like it."
Tina adds that the diversity within the Initiative is one of its greatest strengths. "We have Veterans of all ages and from different branches of service, each bringing something unique," she says. "It's this mix of experiences that creates such a rich learning environment."
The Initiative's impact extends beyond Veterans themselves. It also embraces their families, acknowledging their essential role in the military experience. "Military life affects the entire family," Claflin notes. "Having a space where Veterans and their loved ones can come together and engage in creative experiences is incredibly meaningful."
The Veterans and the Arts Initiative continues to be a vital gathering place for women Veterans, a space where they can express themselves and connect through shared experiences. It's a place where their stories are honored, and their voices are heard. "There aren't many places like this," Honegger concludes. "It's not just about the art. It's about finding a place where we belong."