The American Healing Art Foundation offers an artistic outlet for veterans suffering either mental or physical ailments. Judi Combs has been running two businesses for years. As hard working as she is, she said often still felt she was not doing enough to give back to the veteran community.

“When I see a veteran, I always make a special point to thank them for my freedom, but this just is not enough.” She decided to make the best of the resources she had available to her and began offering free art classes to local Veterans through her company The Arizona Fine Art EXPO. The classes range from oil painting to acrylics and even sculpting.

Winston Williams is a 65 year old Army Veteran. In 2004 he had a stoke which left him with out the use of his left hand and arm. He began to find himself more often than not plopped in front of a television. However, after taking a few sculpting classes at the American Healing Arts Foundation he began to regain feeling in his hand.

“Sculpting and painting has helped me regain my focus and attention to detail and has given me confidence in my ability to try new things I didn’t think I could ever do. Using my visual senses in art is also helping me regain my focus on physical healing and has given me something to look forward to each day.”

Of course our veterans are not the only ones affected by this amazing organization. Hal Stewart who was Winston’s instructor had this to say about his experience teaching Winston Williams and so many other men and women who have served our country:

“Unwanted physical limitations may sometimes be placed on us, but no limitations have to exist in our hearts for compassion and understanding of others. I thank you, Judi, for giving me the opportunity to get to know this wonderful individual.”

Research has indicated that artistic expression can serve as a healthy outlet to those who have experienced emotional traumas. “Without a positive outlet, intense emotional stress can lead to depression, poor self-esteem, emotional impairment or psychological challenges. Reducing anxiety, coping with overwhelming feelings and strengthening emotional development are critical steps to trauma recovery”, as stated by a similar organization aimed at helping children using art therapy. The American Healing Art Foundation is taking these principles of healing and applying them to veterans. So far a number of veterans have attended these classes, about 25-30 per class, but Judi Combs has run into a few hurdles. For one she needs art supplies and as the class size increases volunteers are needed to be sure everyone gets a fair amount of attention. She plans on continuing on for as long as possible but does ask for donations including equipment and time.

“I am not comfortable asking for help, assistance or funding; however, I find that a charity survives with donations, especially in the beginning.  We need many volunteers.  I am searching for art instructors who can teach oil or acrylic painting classes and assistants for each class.  We would need to have a second assistant for each class qualified with some medical background as they would be aiding the veterans.  We are estimating 25-30 veterans maximum per class.  We will need drivers to pick up veterans from the hospital, their homes or wherever they reside.  Sadly, a big percentage of our veterans are among the homeless that may need rides.”

Please help other veterans like Winston by showing that you care. If you have experience as an instructor or artist Judi is looking for volunteers. Any supplies you may have that make be of use can be donated by contacting Judi at: http://www.americanhealingartsfoundation.com/contact.asp