Delaware Division of the Arts Launches Second Round of Free Art Classes for Veterans

The Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with Mariposa Arts and the Office of Veterans Services, is proud to announce a second round of classes as part of our CreatiVeterans program—a transformative, free eight-week art class designed exclusively for Delaware veterans. This statewide initiative provides opportunities for artistic expression, social connection, and well-being through meaningful arts engagement.

Participants in CreatiVeterans will explore a variety of artistic techniques under the guidance of professional teaching artists at arts organizations in all three Delaware counties. No prior art experience is required, and veterans are encouraged to express themselves creatively in a welcoming and supportive environment.

 

Upcoming Spring Sessions Include:

Cultivating Creativity led by Traci Currie, PhD.

April 1-May 27 / Tuesdays from 11-1pm

Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

This class focuses on sharing who you are through storytelling. We will start with exercises that revolve around the power of our names and what our names mean to us. Most of the ‘naming’ exercises will lead us to share stories about who we are. Over the course, we will write, create visual collages, work in groups, and listen to each other’s stories. The workshop series will culminate with a celebratory event featuring the participants’ artwork. No previous experience is necessary.

The Joy of Drawing with Rebecca Howell

April 1-May 27 / Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30pm

Smyrna Opera House, 7 W South Street, Smyrna, DE 19977

Embrace your inner artist in a class that encourages experimentation and self-expression. This course introduces a variety of materials and unique approaches to drawing for the sake of joy. Materials used include pencil, charcoal, pen, ink, and pastel. The workshop series will culminate with a celebratory event featuring the participants’ artwork. No previous experience is necessary.

Creating Art with Paint and Paper taught by Barbara Calkins

April 9=June 4 / Wednesdays from 1-3pm

Mispillion Art League, 5 North Walnut Street, Milford, DE 19963

Join a small group of veterans for an engaging and creative class where you’ll connect, collaborate, and explore artmaking with paint and paper. Through guided instruction, you’ll create both individual and collaborative projects, transforming simple materials into meaningful works of art. The workshop series will culminate with a celebratory event featuring the participants’ artwork. No previous experience is necessary.

 

Each course culminates in a community exhibition, celebrating participants’ creative achievements with family and friends.

“The arts have an extraordinary ability to connect and inspire,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “CreatiVeterans offers our veteran community an outlet to explore creativity while fostering camaraderie and personal growth. We are thrilled to make these opportunities accessible statewide.”

Studies show that creative engagement supports cognitive function, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of belonging—critical for veterans navigating post-service life. Participating in veterans’ art classes provides more than just an opportunity for individual expression. It also creates a community where veterans can share experiences and support each other. This sense of community is crucial in overcoming isolation and building a support network.

The CreatiVeterans program is free for Delaware veterans, but space is limited to 12 participants per session. Registration and full details are available at https://arts.delaware.gov/creativeterans.

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About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

About the Delaware Office of Veterans Services
The mission of the Delaware Office of Veterans Services (OVS), an agency of the Delaware Department of State, is to support veterans living in the First State and their families. OVS assists with access to services and benefits that veterans have earned through their military service, including disability compensation, employment, supportive housing and/or housing assistance, and more. OVS advises and assists policymakers and agencies across state government in matters that pertain to Delaware veterans and their families. Our office also provides administrative support to the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA). OVS also administers and maintains Delaware’s two Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, located in Bear and Millsboro.

About Mariposa Arts

Mariposa Arts believes in the power of Creativity as a catalyst for healing, allowing us to express our experiences, traumas, and stressors. Our Projects are ways you can join us and support us. We use strategic partnerships at the organizational, sponsor and community level with an entrepreneurial approach to community building that is human-centered and promotes the values of “belong-ship”.