Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network works to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers. Read more about us.

Open Studio Project, Inc.

Visit Open Studio Project, Inc.

Year 2024-2025

Evanston, Illinois

Art & Wellness for Women Veterans

Open Studio Project, Inc., in partnership with the Evanston Vet Center, will present Art & Wellness, a series of therapeutic art workshops specifically for women veterans. Art therapists and facilitators will guide participants through the Open Studio process, an approach that includes mindfulness practices (intention setting), uninhibited creativity (open-ended art making), reflective writing (journaling), and sharing with others. Art & Wellness will take place in a safe, supportive group setting, free of comment or critique. The Open Studio process is designed for participants of any ability to experience the healing power of art, by accessing their own creativity, learning tools for self-care, and building a sense of community with fellow veterans.

Partner Organization:

Evanston Vet Center
https://www.va.gov/evanston-vet-center/

Grant Period:

2024-2025

Artistic Discipline(s):

Visual Arts

Grant Amount & Tier:

$10,000, Emerging

Year 2023-2024

Evanston, Illinois

Art & Wellness Program for Veterans and Summer Camp for Families of Veterans

Open Studio Project's Art & Wellness Program for Veterans and Summer Camp for Families of Veterans is a visual arts and reflection program designed for veterans and their families. The program will be offered in two parts, a 12-week workshop series for veterans and a two-week half-day camp for elementary-aged children. Through art-making and personal reflection, participants will explore their emotions, process trauma, and address unique experiences faced by military families. The project recognizes the long-term emotional impact of military service on veterans and their families and aims to offer an art-based approach to support their healing and reintegration. The project will partner with local veterans and military organizations and will primarily work with Evanston Vet Center in Evanston, Illinois, to serve participants who live locally.

Partner Organization:

Evanston Vet Center
https://www.va.gov/evanston-vet-center/

Grant Period:

2023-2024

Artistic Discipline(s):

Visual Arts

Grant Amount & Tier:

$10,000, Emerging

Related Grantee Content

03/24/2025 | News

Bridging the Gap from Military to Civilian Life through the Arts

In February 2025, Creative Forces® Community Engagement grant recipients and leaders from across the nation filled the halls of the National Endowment for the Arts with energy, passion, and shared purpose. It was the third annual convening—a powerful meeting of minds and hearts. Over 120 clinical art therapists, subject matter experts, program staff, and arts organizations serving military-connected communities throughout the country came together to share their stories. The Creative Forces convening was an inspiring and humbling reminder that art can change lives—and that change is already happening.