Anu Aaltonen-Bond (in green dress) poses with some of the veteran artists that took part in the Creative Prescriptions Art Program.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA, (MPG) - What happens when veterans are given a welcoming space to create, learn new artistic skills, share experiences and connect with others who have served?

At Ri-Nu Imagination, a nonprofit community arts organization in Rancho Cordova’s Lincoln Village neighborhood, that question helped inspire Creative Prescriptions – Healing Through Art, an eight-week arts program developed for veterans referred through the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Mather VA.

The program combined weekly adjunct art-based group sessions, hands-on art instruction and drop-in studio opportunities. Designed for veterans of all artistic experience levels, Creative Prescriptions offered a place to explore creativity, develop new skills and connect with others through art.

One of the program's most meaningful collaborative projects was a “Mosaic Tree” composed of individual artwork.

The weekly group was facilitated by Michelle Brown, a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in art therapy and counseling at West Liberty University, who interned with Ri-Nu Imagination as part of her graduate studies. Through creative activities and guided reflection, participants explored themes of identity, personal strengths, self-expression and connection. Veterans also participated in two additional art instruction classes led by John Nesbitt, a retired Vietnam War veteran and artist, who shared his knowledge of drawing and acrylic landscape painting.

Beyond the scheduled classes, weekly drop-in studio sessions provided veterans with time to continue their artwork, experiment with materials and create alongside one another. Together, these experiences offered something beyond an individual art class: an opportunity to become part of a creative community.

One of the program’s most meaningful collaborative projects was the creation of a mosaic tree composed of individual artwork contributed by participating veterans. Each piece represented an individual creative expression. Brought together, the artwork formed a larger tree, a visual representation of how different experiences and perspectives can contribute to something shared. Like a tree, a community grows through connection. Its branches may reach in different directions, yet they remain part of the same whole. The collaborative artwork reflected the philosophy behind Creative Prescriptions: every participant brings a unique perspective, and every contribution has value.

Anu Aaltonen-Bond passionately talks about the Creative Prescriptions art program and how meaningful art programs like this are so important.

On Oct. 31, Ri-Nu Studios hosted a Veterans Pop-Up Art Exhibition featuring the work of 12 veteran artists from the community. The exhibition grew from the creative efforts and interests of veterans participating in the program, who helped bring their artwork into a public gallery setting. The show celebrated not only the completed pieces but also the imagination, dedication and individual perspectives behind them. Visitors experienced a range of artistic expressions alongside the collaborative spirit that developed throughout the program.

Creative Prescriptions is connected to a growing national and international movement known as social prescribing. Social prescribing recognizes that community participation, meaningful activities and social connections are important parts of everyday well-being. The approach connects individuals with nonmedical community resources such as art, music, gardening, movement and other activities that encourage engagement and belonging. These opportunities complement, rather than replace, traditional healthcare services.

Veteran artist Sandi Stacin (right) shares her sketchbook full of expressionistic images that she created.

Building on its first eight-week veterans program, Ri-Nu Imagination is exploring opportunities to expand Creative Prescriptions to adults throughout the broader community, including individuals seeking creative engagement, social connection and a welcoming place to participate. Future programming would continue combining guided art experiences, opportunities to learn artistic techniques, and open studio participation.

Ri-Nu Imagination is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization serving Rancho Cordova and the greater Sacramento region through artist studios, exhibitions, workshops and community arts programming.  The program was made possible through support from the City of Rancho Cordova’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund (CEIF), with additional sponsorship support from SMUD, Golden State Water Company and the Harold Giles Family.

At the heart of Ri-Nu’s work is a simple belief: We all speak art.  And sometimes, as the veterans’ collaborative mosaic tree illustrates, many individual expressions can come together to create something greater than any one piece alone.

Anu Aaltonen-Bond is the Founder and Executive Director of Ri-Nu Imagination.

Veteran artist Rachael Mahimer shares her feelings about how the program helped her connect as an artist.