The Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with the Delaware Office of Veterans Services, has announced a new round of free eight-week art courses through its CreatiVeterans program, with spring 2026 sessions running through June 2026.
The inaugural round drew such an enthusiastic response that one of the spring’s sessions already reached full capacity, with two courses still open for registration across Kent and Sussex counties. FeedSpot
The program is free for all Delaware veterans and is limited to 12 participants per session. Participants explore a variety of artistic techniques under the guidance of professional teaching artists at arts organizations across all three Delaware counties. No prior art experience is required. ARTS Blog
One of the spring 2026 sessions is held at American Legion Post 17 in Lewes, Delaware, running Thursdays from 12–2 p.m., April 9 through June 4, 2026. The class, titled “The Power of Visual Creativity” and taught by Barbara Calkins, draws inspiration from iconic artists and participants’ own lives, exploring a wide range of materials including paint, paper, graphic images, natural objects, and upcycled items. The workshop series culminates with a celebratory event featuring the participants’ artwork. FeedSpot
Veterans who took part in the program’s first round described discovering artistic techniques they had never tried before, building friendships with fellow veterans, and leaving each session looking forward to the next. One participant said: “This has been one of the most transformative programs I’ve ever participated in. It encouraged us to let go of our need for perfection and focus on connection — not just with one another, but reconnection with ourselves.” FeedSpot
Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts, said: “CreatiVeterans gives Delaware veterans the chance to explore creativity, discover new skills, and build real connections with fellow veterans. The arts have an extraordinary ability to bring people together, and we are thrilled to make these opportunities accessible statewide.” FeedSpot
Briana Henry, community engagement program officer at the Delaware Division of the Arts, described the program’s intent: “Our goal is for this to be an outlet for them to have a chance to express themselves in a creative way, and to connect with other veterans, since this is going to be an intimate space. It’s not a huge class where you’ll get lost and not be able to connect.” FeedSpot
Registration and full details are available at arts.delaware.gov/creativeterans.
Source: news.delaware.gov · arts.delaware.gov/creativeterans-2026 · coasttv.com · coastalpoint.com · whyy.org
