Painting class combines free art lessons with therapy
Veterans are learning new artistic techniques as they establish a sense of community and share what is in their hearts and on their minds during the monthly Paint & Snack workshop held at the Heroes Golf Course.
Professional artist, seasoned instructor, and Navy Veteran Phyllis Thomas has led the workshops for eight years, during which time she has seen Veterans move from stressed and depressive states to embracing positive and reflective attitudes. She credits their inner shift to art therapy. Creative outlets can improve communication and concentration, reduce feelings of isolation, and lead to an increase in self-esteem, and self-awareness. These findings are supported by the study “Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health” published by Cureus and edited by Alexander Muacevic and John R. Adler in 2022.
Thomas usually instructs students by giving them painting techniques, but during a recent session she took a different track, asking them to paint whatever they were feeling at that moment.
“I ask each of my guests to take their time in creating, as it is a process that will take hold and reward them in many ways outside of art,” said Thomas, who hosts the workshops the second Tuesday of every month from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. She prepares each class hours in advance to specifically address any special needs Veterans may have. Snacks are provided by the Bandini Foundation, which runs the golf course under a partnership with VA.
“Art leaves Veterans with an enhanced positive attitude and a new way to appreciate oneself through creating,” she said. “After they exercise the skill of creating art, the holistic realm beyond art has the dynamic power of refreshing self-discovery and a ‘can-do’ attitude. Art creates a sense of self-sufficiency and self-confidence within Veterans.”
Thomas also lets Veterans know that, when it comes to art, they can’t really make mistakes.
“Art isn’t about perfection but expression. Plus, acrylic paints are great for beginners because they are very forgiving. You can just let it dry and paint over your mistake,” Thomas said.
Marine Vietnam Veteran Bob Callahan said he is a fan of Thomas’ artwork and has even had a hand in naming her paintings. He titled Thomas’ piece “The Price of Freedom,” which was on display at the Washington Dulles International Airport last year.
“That means a lot to me, because as Veterans we paid the price of freedom,” said Callahan. “Paintings made by Veterans allow us to see through their eyes. As the viewer, it allows others to see through our eyes.”
Thomas uses the art therapy approach in her class, giving Veterans the opportunity to explore and communicate their feelings, thoughts, experiences, and perceptions of themselves through art.
Traumatic events are often difficult to express in words alone, thus art therapy offers a different 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.
Art therapy has been used successfully to treat patients with mental disorders, reducing suffering from symptoms including depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and autism, according to the 2021 study, “Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders” written by Jingxuan Hu, Jinhuan Zhang, Liyu Hu, Haibo Yu, and Jinping Xu and published in Frontiers in Psychology.
“Painting takes away a lot of my depression and anxiety,” said Veteran Manuel Rios, who was once homeless but is now housed with assistance from VA. “Painting keeps my mind focused and off of other things that are happening.”
Rios attends Paint & Snack as much as possible. The training he received at the classes allowed him to win first prize at the annual Veterans Creative Arts Festival in 2022, he said. His painting was entered into the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. The assistance he received from VA has inspired him to help others and he thanks the West LA VA Medical Center tremendously. He recently graduated as a peer support specialist so he can pay it forward. Peer support specialists play a critical role in a Veteran’s journey from homeless to housed, helping them navigate the housing process and making sure Veterans are making appointments and following up on treatment.
“If it wasn’t for the [Domiciliary] at the VA and all the staff there, I don’t know where I’d be right now,” said Rios. The Domiciliary (DOM) is a Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) located in Building 217 on the West LA VA Medical Center campus.
Another person who contributes to Veteran recovery is Brenna Partridge, who works at the DOM as a recreation therapist and runs the annual Veterans Creative Arts Festival. She noted that she often hears Veterans say they are having a bad day and that they really need the art class to clear their minds.
“This class gives Veterans the opportunity to open themselves up creatively, however, they want, without expectations, and in many cases, experience a sense of peace and relaxation,” said Partridge.
Partridge feels that the Paint & Snack setting is a safe place for Veterans to dive into something new while creating a social connection with other Veterans.
“This is my family,” Callahan said.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Recreation Therapy Service supports the effectiveness of creative arts therapies interventions. Creative arts therapies increase motivation within patients to become engaged in treatment, provide emotional support for Veterans and their families, and create an outlet for Veterans to show their feelings. Research results and clinical experiences attest that positive results stem from creative arts therapies - especially for those resistant to other treatment approaches, according to Rec Therapy sources.
“The class is great because it allows us to see that there is beauty inside of everyone and we all have a talent – all we need to do is bring it to the outside,” said Callahan. “Art calms the inner beast.”
Paint & Snack is open to all Veterans. There are no requirements to attend, although registration is preferred. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided. Paint & Snack is sponsored by Village for Vets, West LA VA Medical Center, and the Bandini Foundation. Join Paint & Snack on the second Tuesday of each month from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Heroes Golf Course. For more information, to volunteer, and to RSVP call 310-776-0351.