The art of paying tribute 

Nestled within St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute lies three art studios full of paints, canvases, fabrics, and other textiles just waiting to be transformed into visual pieces of art. The men and women behind the paintbrushes and crafty creations are Veterans who reside at Parkwood Institute as part of the Veterans Care Program.  

Veterans who participate attend the program as a group on the units or in one of three art studios – wood, clay and textiles – for an opportunity to socialize and explore their individual talents. Projects are adapted to fit the abilities of each individual, minimizing limitations while maximizing creativity.

 "... limitless opportunities for creativity."

This year, the Veterans are making a special piece of art to mark the 75th anniversary of the Veterans Arts Program. The number 75, cut from wood, is adorned with painted silk, ceramic, wood, wool, stained glass and other materials frequently used in the program. Veterans, with the assistance of art instructors, helped craft, paint and design the artwork. 

“The vision for our tribute piece is to celebrate the diversity of art mediums and techniques that we offer in the program,” says art instructor Rachel Woolmore-Goodwin.  “With everything from silk painting to stained glass, we have a robust variety of materials to work with in our studios, providing our Veterans with limitless opportunities for creativity.” 

The team behind the inspirations 

Four art instructors at Parkwood Institute assist the Veterans in the meaningful projects they create. The artwork is typically sold at events held at Parkwood Institute, with profits going to the Veteran artist and a small portion going back in the program to cover the cost of materials. Purchases can also be made directly within the studios. This year, due to the pandemic and the safety of our Veterans, art sales were available to select staff, family and care givers.   

"Being a part of their journey is an incredible privilege.”

From silk scarves, pottery and paintings to decorative cards – the collection of work becomes a labour of love for all those involved.  

"Being a part of their journey is an incredible privilege,” says Rachel, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts. “To build and maintain a therapeutic relationship with a Veteran requires a great deal of trust, compassion, and understanding. I am truly honoured to be of service to the people who have served us and have already given so much of themselves to others throughout their lives.”  

Art instructor Beverly McNaughton, who earned a Master’s Degree in Visual Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, adds "individual creativity is important to me and I work hard to make sure each Veteran is heard and their goals are realized." 

An accomplished artist herself with a Bachelor of Fine Art, Kim Smith is also grateful to work in the program. “Interacting with the Veterans is incredibly rewarding. I love it when I can find something they are interested in trying and are successful in completing it.” 

With over 40 years of experience between all instructors within the program, they agree that at times, they are unsure about who influenced whom when it comes to artistry. 

“The Veterans amaze us every day,” smiles Kim. “Creativity and personal expression have always been a personal pursuit, and I believe that we all have creative talents, ready to be unleashed. As each of us explores different mediums of art, the process can prove to be very healing and revealing.” 

Brushing up on history

The roots of the Veteran Arts Program at Parkwood Institute originated during the Second World War when the Red Cross offered handicrafts to recuperating soldiers in military hospitals overseas. 

As these Veterans returned to Canada, they requested to continue the program. In 1946, the Canadian Red Cross Society and the Department of Veterans Affairs developed a national program called Arts & Crafts. It was designed for hospitalized Veterans who did not require occupational therapy or physiotherapy but wanted to keep busy with creative activities, such as weaving, leather craft and

woodworking. The program included Veterans from the First and Second World War and eventually, Veterans from the Korean War. The Program has expanded throughout the past decade to include younger Veterans seeking treatment at Parkwood Institute.  

In 1994, the Red Cross began to transfer the program to facilities, such as Parkwood Institute. Today, the Veterans Arts Program is fully funded by Veterans Affairs Canada with generous donations from the Royal Canadian Legion. 

Studio highlights 

Over the years, the Veterans Arts Program at Parkwood Institute has accomplished many notable projects and achievements. Some of the initiatives include the following: 

2000: ‘Tales Worth Telling’ was published. It was the first in a series of four books, a collection of Veterans’ stories as told to Veterans Arts staff.  

2006: To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Veterans Arts, an image of artwork created by the Veterans was used on a Canada Post stamp and was distributed throughout Canada.  

2011: During the transfer of St. Joseph's Perinatal and Neonatal Intensive Care Program, Veterans teamed up with nurses prior to the move to create a large stained glass inspired silk painting to hang on their new unit.  

2018: In partnership with the Grand Theatre, Veterans created more than 4,000 hand-made poppies. Each crafted poppy, made with a touch of black paint and simple red cupcake liners, was proudly displayed as part of the set for the Grand Theatre production of Timothy Findley’s “The Wars.” Volunteers, family members and the community all took part in the making of the poppies at Parkwood Institute.  

2019: Veterans created and delivered ‘warrior beads’ to patients at Children’s Hospital in London, Ontario. The beads were part of the Hospital’s Bravery Bead Program to help children and families note their journey through a long-term illness or injury. Coloured beads are added to the child’s collection to represent a different type of care or treatment. 

2019: Dubbed the ‘Poppy Pin Campaign,” Veterans hand-made more than 100 small clay poppies to give as a gift to all of the volunteers of the Veterans Care Program. The pins were a symbol of the Veterans' gratitude for all the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. 

2020: The first of three Veterans calendars was created, each month featuring an individual Veteran with a brief bio that they chose to share.