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.
“Art Speaks Where Words Are Unable To Explain.”
— MATHIOLE
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.
