Foothills Veterans in Art Program
The Caldwell Arts Council announces a new exhibition titled “Kilroy Was Here” featuring works by members of Foothills Veterans in Art. The exhibition will open November 5, 2025 and continue through November 29, 2025 at The HUB Station in Hudson, North Carolina. The HUB is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm and can be found at 145 Cedar Valley Road, Hudson, NC 28645.
The public is invited to the opening reception on November 6th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at The HUB.
The FVIA program has provided acoustic guitar and art classes to area U.S. Veterans since its launch in 2022. All instruction, loaner instruments, and art supplies are available free of charge. Guitar Classes meet weekly and art classes every other week. The guitar class is accepting new students now, and an additional art class will be offered for Vets wanting to join the program.
Foothills Veterans in Art is a program of the Caldwell Arts Council and receives funding from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department for Natural and Cultural Resources.
"I chose to try to learn to play the guitar on my own via books and the internet. I had limited success, and then I heard about lessons for Veterans through the Caldwell Arts Council. I started with Bob Henson and have been very pleased with his lessons. I have learned quite a bit and look forward to more fun and success."
- Gerald Setzer, USN Retired
Donate Today
Foothills Veterans in Art is funded through the generosity of community members, the N.C. Arts Council, and various foundations listed below.
Support this Art with HeArt Program today by clicking the link below to make your earmarked contribution.
Thank you!
Enrollment Is Open!
Area U.S. Veterans are invited to take acoustic guitar or art classes at The HUB Arts Center in Hudson. All instruction, loaner instruments, and art supplies are available FREE of charge.
Guitar Classes are held weekly from 7pm-8pm on Monday evenings. Lead Instructor is Bob Henson, member of the band, The Neighbors, and director of Caldwell Arts Council’s Junior Appalachian Musicians program.
Art Classes are held every other week from 6pm-8pm on Tuesday evenings. Lead Instructor is Andrew Atkin, instructor for the Lenoir Rhyne's University Christian High School. However, we are working an a second class with an instructor who will teach on a weekday. Please check back for information or email us to get on the list.
Enrollment for each class is first-come, first-served, so call the Caldwell Arts Council today at 828-754-2486 to sign up.
What are some of the benefits of Veterans learning the arts in group settings?
A wealth of documentation supports the fact that many U.S. Veterans struggle with various issues once they return from deployment or leave the service. While not all have experienced combat or volatile situations in foreign countries, they do have a story to tell.
By providing Veterans with an opportunity to express themselves through the arts in a positive, safe environment, participants are certain to experience improvement their personal mental and emotional health. Foothills Veterans in Art could offer a potentially cathartic and life-changing outlet, especially those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Experiencing positive peer-to-peer support and joy of accomplishment can help them naturally regain a more positive sense of self and purpose, and feelings of isolation should diminish by helping build camaraderie within the group. All of this will positively impact the individuals as well as with their families and friends.
Each Vet is on an individual journey, and outcomes will be unique to themselves. Foothills VIA is one way that our community and the Caldwell Arts Council can assist these worthy individuals who have so selflessly served our country.
If you have any questions about Foothills VIA, please contact our office at 828-754-2486.
This Caldwell Arts Council program is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
