Delaware vets get creative to help heal at art classes hosted by CreatiVeterans

CreatieVeterans focuses on small, supportive classes capped at 12 participants, allowing veterans to explore a variety of artistic techniques that vary across all three counties.

“In New Castle County, we have ‘Working with Clay.’ In this, specifically, participants will use hand-building techniques with clay, including pinching, quilling slab and texture technique,” Henry said. In quilling slab, artists shape designs out of tiny strips of clay.

“We have in Kent County, ‘Gelli Plate Printing with ‘Es,’’” Henry said. Gelli plate is a gelatin-like plate made of solidified mineral oil that’s used to transfer images onto a canvas.

“Veterans can “explore by transforming magazines and images in nature and different textures you can put on the plate,” Henry said. “Then, in Sussex County, we have ‘Mixed-Media Collage Making.’ This is exploring craft embellishments, paper and found art materials and they’ll be making these collages on wood.”

Ensuring accessibility across all three counties was a central focus of the program’s design.

“I feel like it is known that New Castle [County] in general gets more of a focus. It’s kind of known as an art hub,” she said. “It’s really important that we reach Kent County and Sussex County, you know, the more rural areas. So, no one has to drive up to New Castle County or north. It’s important that they have access right near them.”

“This is all for all genders, all ages for veterans. This is a mix of a lot of different generations together and I feel like that impact can allow so much value and insight,” Henry added. “Depending on where those veterans served, what branch. I just think it allows a lot of opportunity for veterans to create a bigger community than they already have.”

Some of the eight-week sessions are already underway, participants are preparing to share their creations in community exhibitions held in each county. These exhibitions will allow veterans to celebrate their accomplishments with family, friends, and local supporters.

While New Castle County’s class is fully booked, veterans are still encouraged to register for classes in Kent and Sussex Counties.