Paradise Valley Community College recently received a $20,000 Research in the Arts Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which will help support the college’s Ceramics Art Experience for Veterans, as well as an accompanying research study for 10 to 60 veterans.
Studies show that art therapy can be used to help veterans discover new methods of self expressing including joy, stress relief, and anger management. PVCC is partnering with the Arizona Artists Guild to offer the free, in-person ceramic art classes for military veterans who have not already participated in veteran art programs at AAG or PVCC. Vets will participate in making pottery, and have the option to make other art projects between classes.
“Our campus has a long history of offering programs serving veterans and this local and national partnership reminds us that even during these difficult times and restraints on our social interactions, the power of learning together, both in-person and virtually, is vital,” said Dr. Paul Dale, PVCC President.
“Community outreach is an essential part of AAG’s mission,” said Ivan Halvorson, President of the Arizona Artists Guild. “We have been involved in ongoing veterans art programs for many years and are excited that this program is extending into research,” said Ivan Halvorson, President of the Arizona Artists Guild.
The grant is one of 15 distributed nationwide as part of the NEA’s recent approval of more than $84 million in grants for fiscal year 2020. The art classes, which begin January 29 on PVCC’s main campus, will include clay sculpting in January and February, throwing pottery on a potter’s wheel in March and April, and non-traditional types of ceramics, called Raku, in May and June. Classes meet in person 1 P.M. to 4 P.M at 18401 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix, Building D. Due to the pandemic, schedule is subject to change, so check regularly at www.arizonaartistsguild.net/cerami-art-program-for-veterans for the complete schedule.
All materials are provided and instruction is by a professional ceramics instructor. To register for the class, contact david.bradley@paradisevalley.edu or Tess at admin@arizonaartistsguild.net.