Wounded soldiers learn to paint as therapy

FORT BRAGG, N.C.
Craig Bone, an artist and veteran from Zimbabwe, is teaching 12 soldiers the skills to become professional artists as they transition from the military to civilian careers. The program, Art from the Heart, is sponsored by the American Red Cross at Fort Bragg in coordination with the Army Wounded Warriors Program.

While working with the soldiers, Bone imparts his own experiences from entering the professional art world after recovering from the injuries he incurred during duty. The program aims to prepare the soldiers for establishing a life outside of the military and provides therapy for the physical and mental trauma of deployment.

At the end of the program, Bone plans to publish a book featuring artwork from each of the students. The artists will retain all the profits from their work and have the copyright privileges.

This piece was produced as part of the J582 Interactive Multimedia Narratives course at UNC’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

  1. Looks very interesting and helpful.

    Comment by Dalia on January 10, 2011 at 9:58 pm

  2. Excellent! I am a true believer that art is healing. This belief has led me to pursue a career change to art therapy involving a masters in art therapy. I would love to be able to provide assistance to a program like this and the healing process.

    Comment by Anne Hurley on January 17, 2011 at 10:36 am

  3. Anne – I am interested in Art Therapy as well. What is your program of study like?

    Comment by May on January 17, 2011 at 12:27 pm

  4. [...] You can also watch a video about the project here. [...]

    Pingback by ‘Art From The Heart’ Helps Wounded Soldiers | Liberty Bell Stables on January 19, 2011 at 10:51 am

  5. this man has the ability to change lives , he taught me through out my school years at lomagundi and barwick ,in zimbabwe . put your time into this you will achive what you thought was impossible , he is a great man , listen to him , listen to his stories , there all true . he will have you in stitches of laughter , , mr bone there are many here to in the army ,most my closest friends , they may need your help as well . no matter what anyone says about zimbabwe , and why most stayed and so many left , we are proud of our country , always will be . you have aa great artist at your door step , listen learn and you will achive x

    Comment by sandy on January 20, 2011 at 10:25 pm

  6. I think Art is an amazing therapy and Craig used to be my art teacher in Zimbabwe at Barwick and he was amazing and he is going to be a great inspiration to those people he is helping just like he was for me :) Can't wait to see the book once it is finished :)

    Comment by Stace on January 21, 2011 at 12:54 am

  7. Mr.Bone is a great man with many talents, i am one of the soldiers working with him. Its not only his ability to teach but to be on our level and understand what were going thru. I havent painted in almost 10 years and within 3 months i have painted a 3.5×5.5 ft oil painting of a leopard which helped me realize that i am capable of achieving a career in life and im no longer afraid of whats out there for me. If you have an opportunity to go to one of his exhibits, GO! I plan on working with him longer and continue to keep in contact with him as I move on. I am great that this man has allowed us to learn and watch him paint!

    Comment by Justin Mac on January 21, 2011 at 4:45 pm

  8. May,
    I am at the George Washington University graduate art therapy program. It is an excellent program which you can look up on the internet. Hope this helps. Great work that is being done here!
    Anne

    Comment by Anne on January 27, 2011 at 12:20 pm

  9. A true Zimbabwean Champion and an all round nice guy!

    Comment by Mike Hall on April 14, 2012 at 4:24 am

  10. Been a long time since your post…… How are things going………. Drop me an email hallmike62@hotmail.com.

    Comment by Mike Hall on April 14, 2012 at 8:11 pm