FREE THERAPUTIC ART PROGRAM AND EXHIBIT
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, PML is teaming up with Diane Van Velsor of ThinkBIG Theater Arts to provide a free, multi-session, theraputic art workshop. Ms. Van Velsor is the Director of The Creative Arts Abilities programs at ThinkBIG Theater Arts located on South Ocean Ave. in Patchogue. She has over 20 years experience as a Certified Recreation Therapist bringing arts programs to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Creative-arts therapy has long been shown to foster a healthier, more resilient military, from training through rehabilitation. The benefits of art are particularly striking at the “resilience” stage, where it is used to combat physical and psychological trauma. Benefits include stress reduction, improved memory, more restful sleep, decreased pain levels, improved cognitive function, and a greater ability to face depression and emotional difficulties.
Family members who participate in arts therapy also note benefits similar to those experienced by their loved ones, including reduced depression and anxiety, and improved sleep. As more than five million military families provide care for someone with TBI or PTSD, this effect is significant. Arts therapy can also serve as a protective factor in suicide prevention.
Workshop attendees will choose a medium in which to work (sculpture, mixed media, or acrylic paint) and will be guided in their creative endeavors by instructor Ms. Van Velsor. Sessions are October 13, 20 and 27th from 6:00-8:00pm. Sessions are appropriate for veterans, loved ones, activists and anyone else affected by war will culminate with an exhibit at the Library November 6-10.
“This was an amazing opportunity to partner with a local organization and bring Ms. Van Velsor’s experience and energy to the community. Ms. Van Velsor knows what some of our veteran families face as her father was in the Navy for thirty years serving during WW II, Korea and Vietnam.,” said Jessica Oelcher, Patchogue-Medford Library. “We want to provide a form of creative expression to help express the emotions of veterans and others who are affected by war and may be struggling. And we’re happy to help provide a venue for events like this that are open to the community.”
Channel past military experiences to create a unique work of art. We invite anyone profoundly affected including veterans, loved ones, and activists to a three part therapeutic art workshop culminating in an exhibit at the Library from November 6-10.
This workshop is free and open to all. All materials will be provided. Space is limited so please register to let us know you will be coming. You can register online, by telephone, or in person.