Explore artist residencies, fellowships, funding opportunities, programs, classes, workshops, museums, galleries, and other resources for veteran artists in Maine and beyond.
For questions about Arts in Health programs at the Maine Arts Commission, contact Program Director Khristina Kurasz: vog.eniam@zsaruk.anitsirhk
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National Resources 
Maine Resources 
Museums and Memorials 
Classes and Workshops 
Residencies and Fellowships 
Additional Resources Veteran Artist Residencies and Fellowships
Kala Art Institute
Discipline: Printmaking, digital media, installation art, social practice, photography, and book arts
Email: gro.alak@alak
Phone: (510) 549-2977
About: Kala Veterans Artist Residency Program provides artist residencies to local, national, and international veteran artists. Veteran artists producing innovative work in mediums including printmaking, digital media, installation art, social practice, photography, and book arts are encouraged to apply.
CreatiVets: Visual Arts
Discipline: Visual arts
Email: gro.stevitaerc@ofni
Phone: (615) 512-5535
About: CreatiVets has partnered with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for a three-week art program and the University of Southern California for a two-week, fully accredited art program for disabled veterans at no cost to the veteran.
CreatiVets: Songwriting
Discipline: Songwriting
Email: gro.stevitaerc@ofni
Phone: (615) 512-5535
About: The CreatiVets songwriting program pairs veterans with accomplished songwriters and music artists to help them creatively express their story through a song. The veteran travels to Nashville, Tennessee, participates in a songwriting session, and records a song to share with family and friends.
VCCA: NEA Fellowships for Military Veterans
Discipline: Visual arts and writing
Email: moc.accv@accv
Phone: (434) 946-7236
About: The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts provides time and space for national and international writers, visual artists, and composers to bring forth their finest works.
Frontline Arts
Discipline: Printmaking, digital and letterpress, papermaking, and book arts
Email: gro.straeniltnorf@yesdniL
Phone: (908) 725-2110
About: Located in Branchburg, New Jersey, Frontline Arts is a socially engaging arts nonprofit with fully equipped studios for intaglio, relief, screen printing, digital and letterpress, papermaking, and book arts. The center offers workshops year-round, as well as residencies for veterans. Residencies can be completed in person or remotely, and full or partial financial assistance may be available to cover travel, housing, and studio costs.
Evered House
Discipline: Various disciplines
Email: moc.liamg@derevebc
Phone: (804) 384-2983
About: The Evered House artist residency hosts veteran artists, those who serve in conflict zones, first responders, and other essential workers. The residency provides a safe and secure space for individuals with important stories to tell and connects residents with mentors in their chosen fields.
Workhouse Arts Center
Discipline: Various disciplines
Email: gro.straesuohkrow@rartsiger
Phone: (703) 584-2900
About: The WMAI Artist in Residence program is for active or retired service members in any branch of the military. Artists in Residence receive discounted studio rent in return for serving as ambassadors to the program and performing additional duties, such as teaching WMAI classes or curating WMAI-related exhibits. Artists may also create work in their Workhouse studio, exhibit on campus, and share and sell artwork to visitors.
Current opportunities may also be listed on the Workhouse Arts Center open calls page.
Local Maine Veteran Arts Resources
Vet Tune
Email: gro.enuttev@tcatnoc
About: VetTune facilitates the self-empowerment process of veterans, their dependents, caregivers, and survivors to help them discover the best version of themselves. The organization builds community through creative expression opportunities and self-care practitioners.
The Peace Gallery
Discipline: N/A
Email: moc.liamg@211yrellagecaep
Phone: (207) 563-1220
About: The Peace Gallery showcases and supports the creative works of veterans by providing a mixed-use arts space that fosters understanding and connection between veterans and the wider community. See website for ongoing programs, workshops, and classes.
Maine Arts Commission Veteran Exhibit and Celebration
Discipline: Visual arts
Email: vog.eniam@zsaruk.anitsirhk
Phone: (207) 479-8229
About: A yearly exhibit of Maine veteran artists' work at the Capitol Complex in Augusta, Maine. Applications open in August and close in October each year. The exhibit runs from November through February.
Maine Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund
Email: gro.fceniam@nonnahsj
Phone: (207) 667-9735
Application Period Opens: December
Application Period Closes: May 1
About: The Maine Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund, founded in 1985, provides scholarship support to Maine veterans of the United States Armed Services who served in the Vietnam Theater and their descendants.
VA Local Art Competition through Togus
Discipline: Various
Email: vog.av@enorram.htebazile
Phone: N/A
About: Veterans enrolled at VA health care facilities compete in local creative arts competitions each year. Categories include visual arts, writing, dance, drama, and music. Top winning entries advance to a national judging process, and first place winners are invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.
Togus VA Open Studio
Discipline: Various
Email: vog.av@enorram.htebazile and vog.av@dnahcraM.elleinaD
Phone: (207) 623-8411 x5371
About: VA Recreation Therapists use recreation and therapeutic interventions to improve physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual functioning; enhance well-being; and support greater quality of life through recreation participation for veterans with injury, illness, or disability.
Additional contacts: Danielle Marchand, CTRS, Mental Health, Creative Arts, Outpatient, CLC, vog.av@dnahcram.elleinaD, (207) 623-8411 ext. 5369, (207) 815-1556. Elizabeth Marrone, CTRS, ATRIC, Tai Chi-R, CARSS II, Adaptive Sports, Creative Arts, Golden Age Games, Tai Chi, CLC, vog.av@enorram.htebazile.
Bangor Vet Center
Discipline: Various
Phone: (207) 947-3391
About: The Bangor Vet Center offers a robust art therapy program.
National Veterans Art Funding
National Environmental Education Foundation
Discipline: N/A
Email: gro.asufeen@htlaeh
Application Period Opens: Check website
Application Period Closes: March
About: This grant aims to help veteran communities access the physical and mental health benefits of nature through outdoor activities on USFS sites and other public lands.
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
Discipline: N/A
Email: gro.noitadnuofsufyerdvm@ofni
Phone: (202) 337-3300
Application Period Opens: Check website
Application Period Closes: November
About: The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation considers grants for IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations located within the United States. The Foundation supports organizations and programs where a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000. The Foundation cannot make grants to individuals.
Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network
Discipline: Various
Email: gro.aaam@ttam
Phone: (816) 800-8115
Application Period Opens: November 2027
Application Period Closes: January 2028
About: The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program aims to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military service members and veterans exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers, through experiences of art or art making.
Programming, Classes, and Workshops
VA Maine's Creative Arts Competition
Discipline: Visual art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music
Email: vog.av@enorram.htebazile
Phone: N/A
Application Period Opens: Fall 2024
Application Period Closes: N/A
About: The top three finalist entries in each category of local competitions advance to the national level of judging through digital submission. First place winners at the national level are invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.
PsychArmor
Discipline: Various
Email: gro.romrahcysp@ofni
Phone: (858) 755-3006
About: PsychArmor offers more than 250 military culture educational products for healthcare providers, veterans, employers, military family members, caregivers, and more.
Armed Services Arts Partnership
Discipline: Acting, improv, comedy, visual arts, storytelling, and writing
Email: gro.pasapasa@olleh
Phone: N/A
About: Armed Services Arts Partnership provides free art and comedy classes to veterans, service members, military spouses, family members, and caregivers.
The Veterans Art Project
Discipline: Various
Phone: (760) 295-0799
About: VETART offers free classes in process-heavy art disciplines including ceramics, glass, woodworking, and bronze casting. The organization connects military families and civilians through shared art-making in safe, welcoming, relaxed, and fun environments, with access to free classes, artistic support, development, and dignified display of completed artworks.
Museums and Galleries
Maine Military Museum and Learning Center
Discipline: Visual art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music
Email: N/A
Phone: (207) 650-8651
About: Maine Military Museum, 50 Peary Terrace, South Portland, Maine.
Maine Arts Commission Veteran Exhibit
Discipline: Visual arts
Email: vog.eniam@zsaruk.anitsirhk
Phone: (207) 479-8229
About: Each August, the Maine Arts Commission announces a call for art for Maine veterans to submit their works of art. The exhibit is located in the Capitol Complex, Burton Cross Center, and Maine Arts Commission offices. The exhibit runs from November through February each year, with a celebration gathering in honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month.
Kittery Historical and Naval Museum
Discipline: Visual arts and exhibits
Email: ten.orezten@muesumyrettik
Phone: (207) 439-3080
About: Since opening in 1977, the museum has expanded its collections from days gone by. It focuses on the history of Kittery and its naval heritage.
Our Heros Military Museum
Discipline: Museum
Email: moc.liamg@muesumyratilimsorehruo
Phone: (207) 403-9270
About: The mission of Our Heros Military Museum is to provide for the betterment of all people in understanding U.S. military history and what it means to America. The museum is located at 55 W Broadway, Lincoln, Maine.
The Maine Air Museum
Discipline: Museum
Email: N/A
Phone: (207) 941-6757
About: The Maine Aviation Historical Society was founded to collect, document, and preserve the rich aviation history of the State of Maine. Its collection of artifacts and memorabilia is displayed at the Maine Air Museum at 98 Maine Avenue in Bangor.
Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum
Discipline: Museum
Email: gro.muesumanb@ofni
Phone: (207) 837-6511
About: The Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum preserves the rich heritage of NAS Brunswick by honoring the people who served there, educating the public about the history of maritime patrol aviation and NASB, and maintaining a memorial for NASB-based airmen who gave their lives in service to their country.
Misc. Veteran Resources
Veteran Tickets Foundation: Vet Tix
About: Vet Tix provides tickets to events that reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build lifelong memories, and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life.
The Art Students League: 2024 Military Veteran Artist Network Symposium Workbook
Discipline: N/A
Email: gro.eugaelstnedutstra@skrelc
Phone: (212) 247-4510
About: Information related to G.I. Bill education benefits for the four-year certificate program.
United States Veterans' Artists Alliance
Discipline: Various
Email: gro.aavsu@htiek
Phone: N/A
About: USVAA networks with veterans, artists, supportive individuals, and organizations within the arts and veterans communities to find funding and support for individual artistic projects in theater, film, television, visual and fine arts, and a wide variety of crafts. They offer a variety of programs for veteran artists.
Americans for the Arts: National Initiative for Arts and Health Across the Military Facebook Group
About: The National Initiative for Arts and Health Across the Military Facebook group shares arts and military postings, including research, opportunities, program information, arts organizations, artists, exhibits, and events.
The National Initiative for Arts and Health Across the Military
Phone: (202) 371-2830
About: The National Initiative for Arts and Health Across the Military advances the arts in health and well-being across the military continuum for service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Visit the National Initiative for Arts and Health Across the Military
CAVARTS Online Hub
About: Created by veterans for veterans, the Challenge America Veteran Arts Community is a national hub that brings together veterans of various backgrounds who support one another as they connect, learn, and grow through the arts. Membership to CAVARTS is free and exclusive to veterans and service members.
Guitars 4 Vets
Discipline: Music
Email: gro.stev4sratiug@ofni
Phone: (855) 448-4379
About: Guitars for Vets serves at-risk United States veterans impacted by PTSD and other service-related trauma. Through a 10-week structured guitar instruction program, the organization puts the healing power of music in the hands of veterans, helping to foster renewal, connection, and community.