CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Veterans and active-duty military personnel can explore pottery, printmaking and drawing while connecting with fellow service members during a free day of creative workshops at Historic Yellow Springs on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Now in its third year, Veterans’ Art Day offers hands-on instruction in ceramics, raku pottery, printmaking and Zentangle drawing. Sponsored by the Justamere Foundation, the event welcomes participants of all skill levels, including those who have never taken an art class.
Workshops will run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., with a complimentary lunch provided between sessions. Advance registration is required.
The program offers participants an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different artistic techniques and build connections in a welcoming environment.
Activities range from shaping clay and creating pottery to carving printing blocks and exploring Zentangle, a drawing method that uses structured patterns to create intricate designs.
Raku pottery adds an especially distinctive element, with pieces removed from the kiln while still extremely hot as part of the firing process.
For some participants, the workshops provide an introduction to unfamiliar art forms. Others return to creative interests they may have set aside or bring experience from previous classes.
Veteran Ray Slavinski, who has participated in the program before, encourages fellow service members to attend.
“This is a chance to meet new friends and learn new skills, taught by warm, friendly instructors,” Slavinski shared. “Please don’t miss this opportunity. This is my second year participating, and it is a super chance to have a free, fun day.”
The event also draws on Historic Yellow Springs’ longstanding connections to military service and artistic education.
During the winter of 1777-78, Gen. George Washington commissioned the Continental Army’s first purpose-built military hospital at Yellow Springs, establishing the village as a place associated with care and recovery during the Revolutionary War.
That connection continued into the 20th century, when veterans such as Ralph Hamilton Humes pursued creative opportunities during the village’s years as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Country School.
Today’s Veterans’ Art Day brings those histories together, using the village’s art studios and community spaces to provide creative opportunities for military personnel.
Veteran and instructor Daniel Karakas, returning for his second year of teaching, sees the program as a meaningful way to share his passion for art.
“I went back to school because I felt called to teach art to fellow veterans. Yellow Springs is such a quaint village and a great place to learn in a supportive community.”
Event Details
- What: Historic Yellow Springs’ third annual Veterans’ Art Day, featuring free workshops in ceramics, raku pottery, printmaking and Zentangle drawing.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Morning workshops run from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Afternoon workshops run from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Where: Historic Yellow Springs, 1685 Art School Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425.
- Cost/Tickets: Free for veterans and active-duty service members. No prior artistic experience is necessary.
- Lunch: Complimentary lunch provided for all participants from noon to 1 p.m.
- Registration: Advance registration is required. Participation is exclusively for veterans and active-duty service members.
- More Info: https://yellowsprings.org/events/veterans-art-day/
By combining artistic exploration with opportunities for conversation and friendship, Veterans’ Art Day continues Historic Yellow Springs’ tradition of welcoming military personnel into a community devoted to learning, creativity and connection. Eligible participants are encouraged to register in advance to take part in the free workshops and shared lunch.
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