Art therapy continues to blossom here at Bastion through our Headway brain injury program. From awards at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival to appearances on local news stations, our veterans have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from those who have had the privilege of viewing their artwork.
At Bastion’s second annual Gala of Resilience, two guests arrived in custom works of art created by our Headway artists. Headway participants Nestor and Ben transformed two jumpsuits with their own original designs, infusing their signature styles while experimenting with a new artistic medium. For Ben, he said this process was a challenge, but he eagerly accepted the opportunity to tackle a new project.
“Hard work shows and I wanted to see if I could do it, and I did,” Ben said.
After six days of painting, Ben’s design was complete. He sustainably chose Mardi Gras colors for his peacock feathers so that the jumpsuit could have another life after the Gala.
Our Gala’s VIP reception was filled with art pieces from Ben, Nestor, and other Headway veterans to highlight the range of skills, inspirations, and materials they use in their work. Bastion’s Headway art therapist, Raney-Mills Turner, spoke at the reception about what a “true gift” it is to see our veteran artists’ visions come to life, and the pride they experience seeing their ideas out in the world for others to experience.
“It has been an incredible privilege to watch the personal and artistic growth of the Headway veterans in our art therapy program over the years,” Raney-Mills said.
“Our projects have become more focused and more involved as the veterans see and feel the benefit of deep flow in their art process as well as the therapeutic feeling of creating something they never knew was possible.”
Ben will be creating a large-scale piece for Bastion’s new Veteran Wellness Center, opening Summer 2025. This building will be filled with veteran art, murals, and other creative displays highlighting the talents of our veteran community.