THE PROGRAM

 

The United States Veterans Art Program is dedicated to providing resources (Artistic Tools) to wounded service members and veterans who choose to pursue their artistic aspirations, particularly in conjunction with other therapeutic measures, in order to better express themselves, communicate to others, and enhance their self-esteem.  We do this by presenting these resources to individuals and/or veterans’ service organizations (such as the VA Recreation Therapy department) on site, at events and/ or performances within a veteran’s facility, or at a public performance such as a fund-raising benefit at a commercial location.

The Artistic Tools Initiative is directly related to Vietnam Veteran Kimo Williams, when he always found a connection to "home" through his music and photography. When he returned to Vietnam in 1998, he realized how powerful art was in creating bonds between people of different cultures.  As he said years later:  “The first time I went to Vietnam, I brought M-16.  The second time I brought my guitar.  The second trip was much better than the first”.  USVAP exists, in part, to see more veterans make that “second trip”, perhaps not in-country, but through art.   Providing “Artistic Tools” can be a first step in suggesting that veterans can make that journey, and share it with others.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Our "Tools" are made available to any wounded service member who is an artist (play an instrument, photographer, painter, graphic arts etc..)

and because of circumstances surrounding wounds received in combat (physical as well as other emotional and mental wounds) is unable to continue to pursue his/her art. We also provide tools to Veteran Medical Service facilities (State and Federal)through their recreational program or their art therapy programs.

 

PROCESS

Individuals

They must have a sponsoring organization. We do not normally work directly with the service member. An application must be downloaded (application.pdf) and completed by the service member and signed by his sponsoring organization. The organization must verify the information entered and send the signed form (as an e-mail attachment) to USVAP. Once received the application is reviewed by USVAP staff and the organization is notified of the results of the review. Once selected the sponsoring organization works directly with USVAP to determine the most efficient means for presentation of the "Tool". USVAP normally presents the "Tool" as part of a arts performance or presentation (at intermission of a concert, before or during an art exhibit). Also, presentations can be associated with receptions, donor dinners, sporting events etc. Specific for presentation is negotiated between USVAP and the sponsoring organization with regards to costs and logistics.

 

VA and other Veteran Medical Organizations

Please contact USVAP directly via e-mail (admin@usvap.org) with your interest and to discuss how the Artistic Tools program might be of benefit to you and those whom you service.

Generally are Artistic Tools presentation have been as follows:

Army Veterans Carol Williams (piano and vocals) and Kimo Williams (electric Bass and vocals) perform as a duo, “Williams and Williams”, with music of the Vietnam era (such as the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix) but also include original music. During their performances they engage the audience with conversations on a broad range of topics to include anecdotes about the songs (Kimo speaks about the effect Hendrix’s music had on him as a soldier in Vietnam), non-partisan social commentary, and also the significance of art.

The central part of the musical performance is the presentation of the Artistic Tool to either an individual, or to the Recreation Therapy representative of the facility. The choice of resource is up to the department or person requesting it, based on their needs or previous art.  The performance continues, with commentary about the importance of art, art education, and (if on-site) art/music/recreation therapy.  The event ends with recognition of the staff, patient works, and additional donation of personal projects by the performers. USVAP will provide all necessary equipment for the performance.  A day room, lobby, atrium or small auditorium is generally adequate, with a minimum space of 10’ X’8’.  They would also need to have an electrical outlet or extension cord near the presentation area.

 

THE "TOOLS"

The "Tools provided are art-based. We provide electric or acoustic guitar or basses, electric keyboards and other musical equipment needs, professional cameras, computers for graphic design, art supplies and other art expression related resources as determined by USVAP staff in consort with the applying individuals or organizations. These "Tools" are normally donated to USVAP or USVAP procured (through sponsorship donation dollars).

USVAP does not provide these "Tools" to first time artists or individuals where the "Tool" is considered as only a therapeutic resource. We generally provide "Tools" for those individuals who wish to continue their pursuit art expression that began before they were wounded.