Texas social worker organizes art show for war veterans

Recently, licensed clinical social worker Teresa McCrary organized an art show with the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, the Killeen Daily Herald reports. However, unlike most exhibits of its kind, the art show will feature the work of about 25 soldiers.

The show, which is called Unspoken: Overcoming the Struggles of Combat Through Art, will travel around Texas, displaying paintings, written works and sculptures that were created by war veterans. For example, Michael Britton, who was deployed to Afghanistan, will display photographs of the things he saw while he was abroad.

McCrary told the news source that preparing these works has been important for the soldiers who decided to participate.

"The art exhibit is an opportunity for Fort Hood soldiers to display their personal reactions to war, sharing their intimate and deeply personal perspective of the effects of combat with the greater Fort Hood and surrounding communities," she said.

Today, many professionals believe art can help individuals, such as veterans, work through difficult times. According to the American Art Therapy Association, self-expression and creativity can assist people with finding insight, boosting self-esteem, reducing stress and creating interpersonal skills.

POSTED BY: ec_admin - July 20th, 2011 at 03:53pm ( 0 )