Creative Forces Open Studio Sessions

Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m.

The Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts hosts free, weekly art studio time for active duty and veteran military service members. No prior art experience, equipment or commitment required. Just drop in and meet other service members who enjoy the arts in a relaxed, social and creative environment. Each session is led by a local artist/mentor who has experience working with service members. Bring your own artwork or learn new skills/techniques and collaborate on group projects.

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Anna K. Pasquale is the artist in residence. A mixed-media artist with almost 10 years of experience in a variety of media, Anna has facilitated both online and in-person art classes. She is married to a USMC veteran and they have two sons. Find out more about her here.

What is Creative Forces?

Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network serves the unique and special needs of military patients and veterans who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health conditions, as well as their families and caregivers.

Made possible by a unique collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and state arts agencies, Creative Forces is a network of caring people who believe in the transformative and restorative powers of art.

We are creative arts therapists, musicians, painters, potters, writers, woodworkers, dancers and doctors, military service members and veterans, community leaders and policymakers. Some of us work on military bases. Some of us work at hospitals. Some of us work at community art centers.

All of us have the same mission: To help military personnel and veterans return to their homes, their missions and their families whole, mentally fit and emotionally ready for whatever comes next. – source

Why do we need Creative Forces?

“North Carolina has one of the largest military populations in the U.S., and the N.C. Arts Council has long supported arts programming for our service members, veterans, and military families.

The arts provide important support for the unique needs of service men and women, veterans and their families, according to research from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For military audiences, engaging in arts activities:

• Enhances healing and provides essential health benefits at every stage from recovery to wellness.
• Strengthens a sense of self, and creates opportunities to tell one’s story through many disciplines.
• Builds a connection with the community and diminishes feelings of isolation.”

* The above is quoted from the North Carolina Arts Council website.