Vets4Vets Creative Workshop Series

Have fun making art with your fellow veterans! Join Vets4Vets, a peer support group interested in the common goal of sharing experiences and just hangin’ out. In these workshops, you will use a different artistic media each week. All experience levels are welcome and no previous art experience is required! You have a lot to say…express yourself through art!!

Bellevue Military Veterans Service Center
(located at S.W. corner of Harvell Dr. and Herman Dr. on west side of Bellevue University’s campus)

Wednesdays 6:00 – 9:00 p.m

November 4 – Adventures In Texture- Create an eye-catching abstract painting in just one sitting! Participants will use pre-textured panels as a foundation for adding metallic and colored paint layers. An interesting slideshow will demonstrate how to make the most of texture in acrylic painting.

November 11 - (Veterans Day) - Drum Circle - Get swept up by the rhythm! Experiment with different types of drums and percussion instruments. Overlay the groove with spoken poetry. Release your inner beatnik!

November 18 - 3-D Character Sculptures - Breathe life to a 3-dimensional character that you invent from your own imagination. From a concept sketch, you will create an armature that you will overlay with fast-drying plaster gauze. Finally, you'll paint your new "buddy" with coloful acrylic paints.

December 2 - Holiday Postcard Print Making - Give the wonderful gift of handmade holiday cards! We will use embossing techniques to make festive and colorful post cards to wish our friends and family Season's Greetings!

December 9 - Fans of Asia Brush Painting - This workshop is designed for those who are interested in the medium, technique, and philosophy of this classical Asian art form. You will learn the basic brushwork, sumi-ink application, and fundamental composition techniques of Asian painting and take home a decorated fan.

December 16 - School of Rock! - Come and join the band! Find out how to turn your thoughts and emotions into music. Learn some basic techniques to writing and playing music. If you already play, bring your favorite instrument...and be prepared to jam!

January 6 - Screenwriting 101 - Learn how to write from your own experience and create believable characters. Speak with dialogue that can be funny or serious. Once your script is written, join others in reading them out loud to bring your scene to life.

January 13 - Expressive Mask Making - What would a self-portrait of your alter-ego look like? Visualize your "other" self with plaster gauze and acrylic paints. We will use the "transformational masks" of Native Americans of the Northwest U.S. Coastline as inspiration for our own creations.

January 20 - Mandala Sand Painting - Work like Tibetan monks to create a vivid and temporary "painting" using chalk and colored sand. This centuries-old meditation technique is a great way to relax and work as a team while creating incredible abstract art!

January 27 - Video Animation - Use drawings or small objects, including colorful animation clay, to create your own moving reality. Work as a team, or teams, to create hilarious short animated videos!

February 3 - Wearable "Tattoo" Designs - Here is your chance to make your own cool tattoo design and have it printed on a blank T-shirt. Not everyone has tattoos, but who doesn't like to wear a T-shirt with an awesome design?

Note: The content or order of workshops may be subject to change based on weather or other conditions.