Vets Create Program

Vets Create Program

Through a grant from the Margaret McCartney & R. Parks Williams Foundation, military veterans and their families have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of studio art courses at Daytona State as a means of expression, social reintegration, healing and engagement, as well as learning. The program, titled “Vets Create” allows veterans, their spouses and dependents to enroll in ceramics, drawing, painting, or design courses. The grant provides scholarship funds to cover course credits, all lab and required fees, tool kits and art supplies specific to each course.

James Burke served as a medic in the military but developed a deep interest in art as a child. The grant has allowed him to enroll in Daytona State’s ceramics program and pursue an art degree, but it’s also given him the chance to meet other veterans with similar experiences. He’s seen the entire range of benefits it provides not only for himself but others as well.

“It’s giving veterans an opportunity to better themselves, and a release from the stress that comes from things the military can bring upon you. Some people don’t even realize they have it. But when you work with the clay, it does something to you. When you mold it, and all this energy goes into it, all of that stress is released, and you go to another level.”

It’s more than just the hands-on work with the clay too. The entire environment is part of the program, including the type of music played in the background.

“It relaxes you, calms you and helps kindle the spirit,” Burke said. “You have this environment with other people and other vets who can relate to each other, and you can talk about things with an understanding of what we share. I want to see more vets join this program.”

“As an art educator, I often talk about the power of art in our lives, but through veteran art programs, I have witnessed first-hand the therapeutic qualities of the arts, the camaraderie created in a communal studio and the physical and mental benefits of the ceramic medium,” said Trent Berning, chair of the School of Humanities.

Burke emphasized how important it was for other veterans to seek out everything the College offers, and take opportunities like Vets Create and use them to their full advantage.

“These are dedicated people who want you to learn and feel like you’re a part of the program,” said Burke. “I’ve met so many wonderful people here and it’s a true community."

For more information, please email Trent Berning.