The Patriot Art Foundation, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, provides free art education and materials to veterans. Its programs include Watercolor Boot Camp — a free online course in watercolor fundamentals offered twice a year to all veterans with ID — and the Art Muster, a small-group mentorship program.
The Foundation was established following artist Mary Whyte’s “We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America” exhibition, which opened in Charleston in 2019. Over 22,000 people viewed the collection in its first six weeks. According to the Foundation, the response from veterans confirmed Whyte’s belief in art’s power to communicate and connect.
The Foundation’s programs also include VA Hospital Art Classes, an art-focused podcast for and by veterans, and an annual Art of Valor event. The VA has recognized the Foundation’s work, noting that engaging in creative arts has been shown to improve the perceived physical and psychological health of participants.
Veterans quoted on the Patriot Art Foundation website describe the impact of the program. One Air Force veteran is quoted: “When I left the Air Force I wasn’t able to speak. Through learning how to paint I was finally able to talk again.” A Marine veteran is quoted: “Drawing is the only thing that stops the voices in my head.”
Watercolor Boot Camp registration for the next session closes July 7, 2026. The program is free for all veterans with ID.
Source: patriotartfoundation.org · va.gov/charleston-health-care/stories
