Veterans Fine Arts Studies & Training
Vet-FAST is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, established to help military war veterans cope with combat trauma and facilitate their readjustment into civilian life. The psychological trauma endured by combat veterans can have a severe, negative impact on their re-entry into civilian life and can restrict their future occupational choices. Vet-FAST provides an expressive, creative and controlled outlet for veterans, utilizing studies and training in fine art. Veterans are introduced and trained in various fine art skills which assist in neutralizing those traumatic war-time memories. The training provides them with a positive self-image and increased self-confidence, allowing them to re-enter society with a brighter outlook and a new set of skills.
Science has discovered the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The above picture illustrates some of the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking. As can be seen, the left brain focuses more on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy, while the right brain focuses on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity.
In combat situations, a soldier relies heavily on left-brain thinking to make critical, accurate decisions under stressful, life-threatening conditions. This heavy reliance on left-brain thinking, over months and months of combat involvement, can create an imbalance in the left-brain/right-brain equilibrium. When the soldier is suddenly released from active duty and returns to civilian life, this imbalance can create severe emotional problems for the veteran when trying to readjust to civilian life. This is where Veterans Fine Arts Studies and Training can be of assistance to these military combat veterans. Vet-FAST provides a program that stimulates right-brain activity by introducing the veteran to a variety of fine art skills. There are multiple programs to choose from, so each veteran can pick an art form that appeals to their interests and goals. Even if the person has no prior artistic experience, the programs are designed to fit each individual's needs and experience level. After months and possibly years of required left-brain, dominated thinking, Vet-FAST provides a creative outlet for right-brain stimulation. This program immerses the veteran into the fine arts restoring left-brain/right-brain equilibrium.