Express Yourself: How an Arts Class Gives Veterans Space to Heal & Create
As the clock struck 10 on a Tuesday morning at the Integrative Health & Wellness Center on the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus, the Expressive Arts for Veterans class springs to life with colorful supplies and smiling staff.
From seasoned Veteran participants who've woven themselves into the class since it launched in 2023 to newcomers venturing into the realm of artistic expression for the first time, each student was greeted by name from staff.
VA Health Coach Dawn Krieger engaged students in conversations that aim to cultivate relaxation within the artistic classroom filled with varieties of paint, colored pencils, paper, canvases, and more. Meanwhile, Director of UCLA|VA Veteran Family Wellbeing Center Tom Babayan ensured that every detail, from art supplies to intake forms, is in place for a seamless experience.
Among the attendees sat Navy Veteran Walter Welerford, a regular of VA Whole Health and Integrative Medicine classes since 2013. Welerford expressed that they have provided him with a space to nurture his artistic endeavors – a friendly space where he can try different types of artworks that stretch his imagination and expand his skills.
Aside from trying the class techniques of clay, drawing, and painting, Welerford said he enjoys using fallen palm branches and turning them into artwork. He carves, sculpts, and chisels intricate shapes into the branches to form the face of a lion and creates eyes using gemstones. He feels like he is doing his part by cleaning up the branches off the streets and then beautifying them.
“I came up with the idea for the palm trees when I was homeless downtown. When I saw them, I had the idea to paint on them and make them beautiful,” said Welerford.
Babayan said that the goal is to give Veterans the opportunity to express themselves while getting the chance to learn new skills. To help the class run smoothly, each session is led by an Expressive Arts Therapist, a Resilience Trainer, and a Program Assistant. Together they guide students in adapting to the environment while helping them problem-solve through a creative outlet.
Over the years, creative arts therapies have been shown to aid in the overall physical rehabilitation of patients. Veterans are given the opportunity to explore and communicate their feelings, thoughts, experiences, and perceptions of themselves through art.
Traumatic events can be difficult to express in words alone, so art therapy offers a diverse approach to allow for individual expression, according to the study “Review of Art Therapy Among Military Service Members and Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,” published by The Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health and written by Jeremy Ramirez in 2016. Patients receiving art therapy as treatment for PTSD experienced positive health outcomes, the study shows.
“This class gives you a place to relax while you are doing your art,” said Weleford. He also expressed that he enjoys seeing artwork done by other students.
Babayan said that the point is to give Veterans a space that allows them to be comfortable with themselves while also finding comfort in being around others.
“The great thing about being here is - it makes you think outside of the box while spending some time thinking about the positives of life. You know, creativity and all that good stuff, which is so cool,” said Veteran David Gomez.
Gomez has experimented with various art mediums, but he finds clay most appealing. Often starting without a clear plan, he molds the clay until it transforms into a functional piece of art. During one class, he crafted a jewelry holder shaped and painted to resemble a palm tree.
This drop-in group class provides a fun and supportive space for Veterans to not only create art but to express themselves. “I like the class. It is very calm. It's a good way to feel comfortable at the VA,” said Gomez.
All Veterans are welcome! Arts materials, snacks, and light refreshments are provided by VA Whole Health, UCLArts & Healing Initiative, Creative Minds Project, the UCLA/VA Veteran Family Wellbeing Center, and U.S. Vets.
This Expressive Arts for Veterans class takes place every Tuesday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Integrative Health & Wellness Center building (B220), and Thursdays from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Services Center trailer, conveniently located adjacent to buildings 210 and 209.