ON DISPLAY: Crack Clown is among the works to be displayed at the veterans exhibit at Starving Artist.

  • ON DISPLAY: “Crack Clown” is among the works to be displayed at the veterans exhibit at Starving Artist.

The many programs offered by the VA to veterans at its day clinic at 2nd and Ringo include art therapy. A news release explains:

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The art allows the Veterans to have a positive, stress reducing, and productive activity. Furthermore it provides an outlet for them to express themselves in a creative way. Often words are not able to communicate the complex issues that homeless Veterans encounter. By using a visual means of expression the Veterans are able to better understand themselves and better relate to others. The groups have been very successful thus far and are a positive aspect of the Veterans’ treatment.

Too bad the current facility doesn’t have adequate space to suitably accommodate this and a wide range of other programs. Too bad Little Rock City Hall is fighting the VA at every turn to prevent it from moving the clinic to a vacant car dealership at 10th and Main. The latest city obstacle is to question issuance of a building permit because the building owner has proposed to spend TOO much on fixing up the derelict building. Little Rock has truly gone down the rabbit hole.

North Little Rock and its Starving Artist Cafe have proved far more welcoming. The cafe in the Argenta Arts District has mounted an exhibit, “From Cardboard to Canvas,” this month to showcase work of the vets in the art program. The pieces include work by homeless and formerly homeless vets and many now living on their own and supporting themselves thanks to transitional VA services. Their service spans wars from Vietnam to Iraq.

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The artists themselves will be at a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Starving Artist Cafe. They serve alcohol at the cafe, but nobody seems too concerned about that. Note to U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin and Mayor Mark Stodola.

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