Hello & Welcome
This site was created with the intention to "pay it forward" to the organizations highlighted below, as a connected conduit between the organizations and those who may be in need. For more information on the inception of Creating With Valor, with original music, via a podcast, please click the action button below.
About Me
- As far back as I can remember I have been attracted to art and music. I am captivated by details, in particular, the contrast between bold and subtle. I am equally moved by rich color as I am to melody.
- In 2014, I experienced art therapy, which helped me in the most profound way!! Art therapy was a defibrillator to my artistic heart that stopped (at some point) during my first deployment.
- In 2017, I attended an art course in VA, sponsored by CreatiVets and VCU, that helped me connect with other veterans. I learned to ask questions like... "What do I need to say; What do I want to say; and finally, whether it's overtly or covertly, how do I relay this through the mergence of emotion and medium?"
- On September 4, 2020, I graduated from This Able Veteran's 21 day Trauma Resiliency course. On the night I graduated, which was when I was officially paired with my service dog Valor, an internal question arose “What would it be like to Create With Valor?” This question was like a coin, because it had two sides. “What would it be like to create with Valor physically by my side, but also with bravery and/or value?
- Soon after, a grant funded artist in residence opportunity opened up through the Workhouse Military in the Arts Initiative (WMAI), which allowed me to meet my goals listed below.
- I wouldn't be the artist I am today without the WMAI program, my fellow artists (many who've become mentors), and my veteran peers.
- My artist in residence ended in a final show titled Together. It was a visual and auditory love letter to the individuals and non-profit organizations that have been there for me since my medical retirement. The inspiration for my show and title is best described in a pallet. A pallet is comprised of singular boards which become infinitely stronger when joined together.
- I've included 5 works of art (including music) from my last show Together, along with their descriptions, in the Portfolio Section.
My Medium
Paint: Acrylic & Watercolor
Draw: Conté
Singer/Songwriter: Acoustic Guitar
My Goals
To Connect, Share, Create, and Grow through art. To 'Pay it Forward' to the organizations listed on this site that have given so much to me and others over the years.
SNAPSHOT OF WORKS
NON- Profit organizations
Semper Fi & America's Fund
The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation
This Able Veteran
Veterans Curation Program (Heroes Preserving History)
Diving With Heroes
Patriots For Disabled Divers
CreatiVets
Operation Encore
Deep Sea Valkyries
American Warrior Initiative (AWI)
M.E.G. (Make Everything Good)
Armed Services Arts Partnership
Workhouse Military in the Arts Initiative
Pen Fed Foundation (Military Heroes Programs)
FOCUS Marines Foundation
The 22 Project
Camp Southern Ground (Where GOODNESS Grows)
Frontline Arts
Tech For Troops
other organizations and Programs
Victor Super Premium Pet Food
VICTOR supports This Able Veteran in their work to provide military veterans with a service dog. One platform is through the sales of their Hero Canine formula.
Taylorville VFW Riders
This is who sponsored and named Valor. Without their commitment and monetary donation I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you Taylorville VFW Riders Post 4495 for your kindness and genourisity.
Keys to Progression
S.H.A.R.E. Military Initiative
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is the organization that backs the non-profit American Warrior Initiative (AWI). A key part of the AWI initiative is the education platform for real estate agents and mortgage professionals. 100% of money raised and donated to AWI is given back to warriors and their families in the way of financial grants, service dogs, home upgrades, and more.