VA/VSA Artists-in-Residence Program

Artist Betsy Giberson with veteran
photo by Althea Haropulos

The VA/VSA Artists-in Residence Program is a national program of VSA arts that fosters healing in veterans by using artistic outlets to enhance quality of life and facilitate the rehabilitation process. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the program provides quality arts experiences through artist residencies for veterans who receive care at VA medical centers. VSA arts of NH has collaborated with the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, VT since 1994 and the VA Medical Center in Manchester, NH since 1997 to develop visual arts and music programs at both sites for local veterans. Bedside music, poetry, weaving, and pottery programs are held each year for 250 veterans who are medically fragile, recovering from surgery, or who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"An elderly gentleman at Manchester VA looked unresponsive as we entered his room. When he saw it was going to be 'music time,' he sat up quickly and smiled. He has an uncontrollable shaking condition in his arms, and he said, "Give me those shaker things." (He remembered them.) When he shakes the egg shakers he can shake them hard because of his condition, so he gets a great sound out of them. He loves music. He told me that 'music soothes the savage beast.'"
     - Kathy Lowe, musician

Drummer Grace Schust
photo by Althea Haropulos

"VSA programs have included music, something that even the most disabled person can (and does) respond to. Time and again, we see someone just sitting, staring into space, and soon after the music begins, a toe or finger moves or a rusty voice begins to sing. Other programs have enabled patients to produce a piece of art and have a finished product that belies their protest of "I can't do that"... When the VSA artists are here, we have fun, we see smiles (and sometimes tears) and we hear great stories."
     - Gretchen Gott, recreation therapist, VA Medical Center, Manchester

Program partners:
VA Medical Center - Manchester
VA Medical Center - White River Junction, VT

Current funding for the VA program comes from the Anne & Kimon Zachos Advised Fund for the the Manchester Region and the Stephen Camann Fund of the Manchester Regional Charitable Foundation, and the Mascoma Savings Bank. For more information on how you can support ongoing music and pottery programs, please contact us.

For further information on this program contact our office at 603-228-4330 or info@vsaartsnh.org