Operation Art to Heal is having a painting event for veterans at the Mountlake Terrace Library from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27. As part of the nonprofit Pacific Northwest Veteran Assistance Program (PNW Vet Assist), the event focuses on the use of arts as a therapeutic reprieve from post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
PNW Vet Assist Executive Director Jim Armstrong said that when he started the program in 2024, he reached out to Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legions and Heroes Cafes in the area through bulk email and newsletters about the in-person veteran events.
“The event is free of charge,” Armstrong said. “I supply all materials, which include a canvas, various sizes of paint brushes, acrylic paints in different colors, a palette or disposable plate for mixing paint, water cups for rinsing brushes, paper towels for cleanup and an easel.”
The first Operation Art to Heal event was held on Jan. 10, 2024 at the Lynnwood City Hall with more than a dozen veterans showcasing their art. This year’s event will be taught by veteran Rebecca Murch.
No artistic experience needed. For more information, contact Jim Armstrong at pnwvetassist@gmail.com.
Wow! This is wonderful. Jake Powell these paintings are so good. I like all of them the man with the mask is my favorite. I hope you are still painting. Thank you for your service to our country. Jim Armstrong way to be. Thank you for your service to our country and for continuing to help with this program. I too have many friends from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan. Wonderful men all. So many with PTSD. Years of trauma some better some not so much. I talk to them on the phone a lot and I listen. There is so much I would like to know about what we are doing for our Veterans. Again, Thank you all Veterans for your sacrifice and your courage. Thank you for caring Jim.