The Veterans and the Arts Initiative has had a busy and productive year with a robust offering of creative and innovative workshops and events. From strumming together in virtual guitar workshops to gel plate printing, members of the military-connected community forged new connections and discovered new skills!
A perennial workshop favorite continues to be the Initiative’s Veterans Virtual Guitar Workshop series led by Glen McCarthy, who was recognized by the Grammy Foundation as one of the top ten music educators in the United States.
“Glen was knowledgeable and truly passionate about helping me and every student improve,” shared a military youth who attended a Veterans Virtual Guitar Workshop. “I walked away with a deeper understanding of technique, new skills to incorporate into my playing, and a fresh sense of inspiration. This was such an amazing experience and I’m so grateful for all it has taught me.”
Visual arts workshops followed suit as budding artists learned flower-hammering, watercolor, and acrylic painting; eco-graphic arts using eco-prints and cyanotype solution; mastered meditative coffee mandala designs; acquired smartphone photography skills, and discovered gel plate printing. The Veterans and the Arts Initiative also offered an Empowered Legacy Workshop Series, in which participants explored oral history, focusing on capturing their own families’ stories of military service.
“I believe that telling our stories is important for others,” said one Veteran who participated in an Empowered Legacy Workshop. “But really important for us…We’re still here.”
Here’s what other workshop participants had to say:
- “Military life is very structured, and the opportunity to relax, meditate, and express one's artistic side is so positive to emphasize inner growth.” – D.L., Military Family Member
- “This class has been a blessing to me, it has helped my anxiety and given me something creative to do. I really appreciate the gift of painting and the instructors and staff who have given back to the community. I hope we have more classes like this for everyone.” – P.P., Military Family Member
- “I almost want to say that this Initiative is the best kept secret for the Veteran community, and to be able to participate free of charge for lessons most people pay a lot for is a blessing. We need these types of programs that I believe are ‘good for the soul,’ and will grow the benefits of music in our daily lives!” – S.G., Military Family Member
- “These fee-free workshops of the Veterans and the Arts Initiative promote creativity, healing (if needed), and social interaction. I recommend all their workshops to Veterans, and their families!” – E.R., Veteran
The Veterans and the Arts Initiative’s 2024–25 season also featured Broadway sensation Mandy Gonzalez in Concert in November 2024 in an evening of Broadway songs, film scores, and music from her debut album, Fearless. Closing out the Initiative’s current season of events and performances will be an Armed Forces Day Celebration performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra (AFPO) on May 17, 2025. Explore this article for fun insights into the program content of this concert, shared personally by AFPO’s Conductor Peter Wilson and Arranger-in-Residence, Bryan Kidd. The Veterans and the Arts Initiative is a proud sponsor of this performance, providing free tickets for Veterans and Servicemembers. Two days prior to the AFPO’s May 17 performance, a free, in-person panel discussion Celebrating the Armed Forces Through Music will take place on May 15 at the Hylton Center. This engaging discussion with AFPO Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson and Niyati Dhokai, program director for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative will explore the impact that music has had on the military. The talk is presented by the Lifelong Learning Institute, Manassas and is open and FREE to the public.
The Veterans and the Arts Initiative looks forward to offering more avenues for the military community to connect and tap into their creativity again in 2025–26! Learn more about the Veterans and the Arts Initiative and its impact over the past 10 years.