ARTS WITH A MISSION – Swim With A Mission

"USS Raleigh, Piscataqua River, Portsmouth, New Hampshire" - Christopher J. Ward

Arts with a Mission is pleased to present the “USS Raleigh, Piscataqua River, Portsmouth, New Hampshire” by local favorite and world-renowned artist Christopher James Ward. This beautiful historic rendering of the USS Raleigh in 1776 will be available in a limited number of signed and unique remarqued prints (an original drawing, sketch or painting done in the margins of a print). The proceeds of these sales will support art therapy programs for veterans. Click the button below to purchase a limited edition print today!

OUR MISSION

Arts With A Mission is a program designed to create and support art therapy programs for Veterans. This is a new program under the umbrella of Swim With A Mission, a not for profit, which since its formation in 2017 has already donated over $6 million to support our Veterans. We have started by partnering with the Veterans Administration in Manchester, NH, the State of New Hampshire, Veterans Count and the Currier Museum. Together, and under the leadership of the Currier Museum, pilot art programs are now underway. With the help of these partners, we plan to find more community partners and make these programs available to as many of our Veterans as possible.

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Arts With A Mission works closely with the following organizations to provide impactful art therapy programs.

How Do Art Therapy Programs Help Our Veterans?

We know that almost 11% of NH’s population has served in the military. But less than a quarter of that population is engaging with the VA. We know that too many of our Veterans are suffering from PTS, PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. We also know that art therapy programs can be very helpful to address those issues, but we can’t find any art therapy programs in NH. So we have started a collaboration to launch them ourselves. There is well documented research of how art therapy programs address critical symptoms that enable a process of recovery from traumatic experiences.

Reduction in symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares and flashbacks. Improved tolerance of pain and stress.

Improvement in ability to experience hope and increased confidence.

Reduction in isolation and stigma associated with PTS, PTSD and TBI, with interaction with family, peers and providers.

Improved tolerance of pain and stress and in the development of coping mechanisms.

THE CURRIER MUSEUM

The Currier Museum of Art is an internationally renowned art museum located in Manchester, N.H. The Currier features European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculpture, including works by Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe, Wyeth and LeWitt with exhibitions, tours and programs year-round. The Currier Museum Art Center offers studio workshops and classes for children and adults.

Already in pilot, the Currier’s art program for Veterans is modeled after other successful programs offered at the Currier for people with memory loss, developmental disabilities, and families struggling with the impact of the opioid crisis.

Art is integrated with the needs of Veterans through intensive art-looking, guided conversations in the galleries, and related art activities. The goal of each session in the program is personal development, respite, relationship building, and mindful awareness. Sessions include refreshments, extended private access to the Currier’s galleries and classrooms, and transportation to the Museum. Clinical support is provided by the VA at each session. Initially, the program will be offered at the Currier, but will later be rolled out statewide and regionally. Once the program expands beyond the Currier, the program will provide transportation to the Museum at least once during the regional course.

Arts With A Mission is a program of Swimming With A Mission, Inc. a NH based 501(c)(3) non profit organization. All events are fundraisers to further support Veteran service organizations.

Portraits of Courage

The creation of Arts With A Mission is an appropriate and timely reaction to a desperate need to do more to address the invisible wounds suffered in service. The Currier and the VA have already partnered to create a pilot art program. The next critical step is to raise awareness and money to fund the roll out of the art projects. The Bush Foundation has agreed to let us bring President George W. Bush’s collection of his painting of Veterans known as Portraits of Courage to the Currier Museum in Manchester, NH. This will be its first visit to the Northeast of the USA. President Bush’s paintings capture the stories and attention that aligns with our art therapy mission. During the exhibition, the Currier will offer robust programming, including, one-on-one art making tutorials for Veterans at an advanced level, scholarships for children of Veterans at the Currier’s summer art camps, and workshops for Veterans and their families that include tours and art making activities.

Art Speaks Where Words Are Unable To Explain

- MATHIOLE