This class is for veterans only and is offered without cost.

This is a class for everyone from the novice to more experienced, or those looking to simply reconnect with art. There will be demonstrations, time to explore techniques and materials, and an opportunity for constructive critique in a supportive environment. Themes and techniques will vary over the course of the session and will evolve based on group interest.  In the first few classes, participants can expect to learn basic drawing and about different modes of self-expression.

All supplies are included.

Class image  student artists from left to right:

Jack Wolynies, Self Portrtait, Pencil, Navy

Jay Howard, Beau, Pastel ,Army

Joey Harness,  No Balls, Buddha digital on metal, USMC

ABC 6 coverage video of the program.

Art Smith

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Art Smith moved to Arizona in 1961. He spent his early years in Tucson and attended the University of Arizona before moving to Phoenix. With the Arizona Commission on the Arts, he taught creative writing in Arizona public schools and on the Apache, Tohono O'odham and Navajo reservations. He was a CETA artist and worked to bring creative writing to public schools as well as no-traditional settings. For 30 years he taught art at Moon Valley High School in Phoenix. He retired several years ago and through the Arizona Artists Guild taught classes to veterans, elder non-English-speaking refugees, and young women who are the victims of sexual assault and trafficking.

Smith recently moved to Mt. Holly, New Jersey. He has created a twice-monthly free class for veterans at the Medford Arts Center.

Smith paints and creates mixed media images. He has shown his work locally, in Medford, Smithville, and Mt. Holly, New Jersey and in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Prescott and Bisbee, Arizona. His work is in a number of private and corporate collections in Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida, and New York.

He has been a judge and juror for art shows in Phoenix, Sun City, Scottsdale, Tempe and Tucson in Arizona and for the Teen Arts Festival in Burlington County and Atlantic County, New Jersey. He tutors adults and high school students in New Jersey.

He is a short story writer. His work has appeared in a number of poetry magazines, periodicals, and anthologies. “Kind Woman, tell pitiful story” is a collection of his poetry.

Living in the east provides him with the opportunity to be close to family and to reconnect with his east coast origins. He lives with his wife in a turn-of-the-century historic home. 

Perkins Center Guidelines and Policies. 

Masking is optional while onsite at our facilities. Review our guidelines and policies for more information on COVID-19 and General Health Policies and Procedures.