Veterans Creative Arts Program uses art forms to help those who serve heal
LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — For many veterans and first responders, healing does not always happen through words.
The Veterans Creative Arts Program, or VCAP, is using music, painting, dance and movement to give veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and nurses another way to connect and process service-related trauma.
The nonprofit provides creative arts and wellness opportunities, particularly for those dealing with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
Marine Corp veteran Christen Dorsey said nature plays an important role in her own creative process.
“I think that connecting to nature is one of the best ways to heal and stay calm and connected,” Dorsey said.
Dorsey is a fine artist, creative writer and teacher who paints watercolor scenes inspired by time spent hiking, kayaking and exploring the outdoors. Her work often features Lowcountry birds, animals and landscapes.
One of her paintings, which depicts a crane greeting the morning light, is meant to reflect a sense of gratitude and blessing.
“There’s so much relaxation and pleasure that comes from that and that’s what we’re hoping to do,” Dorsey said.
VCAP’s offerings go beyond painting.
Dance choreographer Crystal DeVaughn offers free line dancing classes for veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and their immediate families.
DeVaughn said her son Miguel’s service in the Air Force inspired her to find a way to give back to those who serve.
“They have to sacrifice being a server it takes a lot of them and then they also hold on to a lot of things that we don’t now they hold on to as well as they have another way of expressing or discussing what they go through therefore it’s a way of releasing that energy,” DeVaughn said.
Participants can also take part in Tai Chi, which uses slow, controlled movements and breathing with a focus on balance, strength and relaxation.
Movement artist Andrea Combs said her own health journey led her to explore exercise as part of her recovery.
“My own personal health journey required some form of exercise to get back to recovery from a lot of health issues,” Combs said.
Combs previously volunteered with the New Hanover County and Carolina Beach fire departments. She now teaches group fitness, Tai Chi and dynamic stretching through VCAP and other community programs.
“It’s flowing movements that gently strengthen the entire body to improve strength, mobility, balance, and core strength,” Combs said.
Whether through painting, dancing, music or movement, VCAP’s goal is to give those who serve, and have served, a place to find peace, build connections and discover a creative outlet that works for them.
Organizers say they hope to continue expanding creative arts and wellness opportunities for veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families.
