We are a creative outlet for Veterans/Military members/Retirees/Families that suffer from PTSD, mental issues, physical concerns, and other combat-related issues. Midwest Arts for Vets is a creative outlet for veterans and current military members that suffer from PTSD, mental issues, physical concerns, and other combat related issues. It is a way for them to take their mind and focus on something
else besides the side effects left from war. Our mission is to show our veterans other outlets that can help them focus on creativity and using the imagination to create a masterpiece, or help them tell their stories using different artistic methods. Art therapy is considered by many as a mind-body connection that can influence physiological and psychological symptoms. We will be teaching various types of art such as, crafting, painting, drawing, yoga, computer classes, nutrition, meditation, midfulness, blacksmithing (in the future), welding and some woodwork. All of our instructors are volunteers in the arts. We have classes each month for the veterans and caregivers. Every six months we will have art shows or displays of the veteran’s finished pieces to view or to purchase from them. We want to be able to offer these classes to veterans or current military members free of charge. A little about me:
My name is Cara Loken and I am the founder and Director of Nebraska Arts for Vets. I am the proud winner of the 2016 Armed Forces Insurance National Guard Spouse of the Year. As a wife and mother of combat war veterans, I have seen the effects that war can carry even after returning to civilian life. My husband is still in the Air National Guard. My son, an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division was honorably discharged two years ago, but still suffers from PTSD.I think art therapy would be great avenue to help our veterans and service members, while having fun and being creative.
