The Veterans and the Arts Initiative showcased both familiar favorites and exciting new offerings in the 2023–24 season. From strumming in virtual guitar workshops to printing with eco-graphic arts, members of the military-connected community forged new connections and discovered new skills!
Program Director Dr. Niyati Dhokai expressed pride in serving Veterans, Servicemembers, military family members, and caregivers through the Initiative’s blend of virtual and in-person arts programming: “Particular highlights include presenting our new Improv Series for Military Kids, welcoming The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” to the Hylton Center for a Veterans Day concert featuring Broadway star Christopher Jackson, and continuing our collaboration with Prince William Public Libraries through ukulele workshops and flower-hammering and printing workshops.”
A longtime feature of the Initiative, the Virtual Veterans Guitar Workshop Series led by Glen McCarthy inspired participants to explore guitar genres from country to classical, all from the comfort of home. One participant praised the class for its engaging instruction and diverse musical repertoire: “I enjoyed that there were many people who participated. Mr. McCarthy has a nice, easy way about him, gave clear instructions, and picked a wide variety of challenging, fun, relevant musical pieces. I have been waiting for years to take this class, and I was not disappointed. My heart and mind are healthier for having participated, and I can't thank you enough.”
In fall 2023, youth took center stage in Improv for Military Kids, embracing the opportunity to showcase their talents and build confidence with positivity and humor, as one young participant shared: “I am very happy with acting with all of you, not being shy, and improving my acting. But the thing I’m really happy about is seeing how good I am at acting, and I think I will do it more.” The fun extended into the spring with Songwriting for Military Kids, fostering creativity and collaboration among young songwriters. One budding musician wrote: “I liked when we collaborated in tiny groups and shared our lyrics based on the picture we chose. I didn’t know I was gonna meet all these people and that was really cool.”
The fall 2023 Eco-Graphic Arts Workshop led by Patrick Sargent provided a creative outlet for participants and their families to use natural inks to create stunning postcard prints, with one participant noting: “I loved having this creative time with my daughter, so I appreciate that family members were welcome. The instructor was great. His enthusiasm was contagious.”
Back by popular demand in spring 2024, instructor Thuy Senser’s Introduction to Smartphone Photography workshop empowered participants with smartphone-specific tips and tricks, including new technologies such as AI! “This [workshop] was an eye opener,” wrote a smartphone photographer. “Thuy taught us so many new ways to use our phone cameras, as well as how to clean up a favorite picture.”
The Veterans and the Arts Initiative looks forward to offering more avenues for creative expression and community engagement in the military community this fall. For additional information about the Veterans and the Arts Initiative, please visit this Hylton Center webpage.