Stories of Service, Courage and Heroism
Stories of Service, Courage and Heroism
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The Veterans’ Mural Project is a volunteer-driven artistic endeavor located at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Under the guidance of resident volunteer artist Jim Stilwell, this initiative has engaged numerous veterans alongside non-military community members in a collaborative effort to create meaningful art. The murals, which span over 200 feet of wall space within the hospital, depict powerful narratives of service, courage, and heroism. They also reflect the history of the hospital, personal accounts from various wars and conflicts, and pay tribute to veteran support groups, community partners, and VA staff.
Beyond serving as a morale booster, the project has proven to be a therapeutic outlet, offering both physical and occupational benefits. The Veterans’ Mural Project enhances the quality of life for participants by providing a meaningful activity that fosters self-esteem, self-worth, and stress reduction. Additionally, it serves as a bridge for the broader community, fostering understanding and appreciation for our military brothers and sisters.
Jim Stilwell emphasizes the empowering nature of creative expression: “When you can create something, it can also empower you to do other things in your life.” He envisions the expansion of this project to other VA hospitals and encourages interested parties to reach out to him for discussions on how to implement similar initiatives.
“What makes this project unique is that it is not merely an artist coming in to paint a mural; it is a community effort,” Stilwell notes. With blank walls present in many facilities, the potential for similar projects to flourish is vast, offering opportunities for connection, healing, and artistic expression.
How it evolved
How it evolved
In 2017, I approached the Charles George VA Medical Center with the proposal to offer my Story Art class to veterans on a volunteer basis. Through a mutual acquaintance, I connected with Rebekah Wiggins, the VA’s art therapist, who was enthusiastic about the initiative. Rebekah presented the concept to the Voluntary Services team, and I was quickly approved to launch a weekly class at the Community Living Center (CLC), where I would work with residents in assisted living and recovery.
The Story Art class focuses on creating artwork that reflects significant moments from participants' lives. I prompt each veteran with the question, “What would make a compelling cover for your biography or memoir, and what story would you like to share with others?” No prior art experience is required, as I guide the veterans through simple steps and techniques that enable them to start drawing immediately. Rebekah attends each session to assist with instruction and provide art therapy support. Her presence is particularly valuable when emotional issues arise, offering reassurance to participants. The class quickly gained popularity among the residents.
After a few months, Rebekah proposed the idea of creating a mural on the tunnel wall that connects the CLC to the main VA hospital. She envisioned the mural as a visual representation of the stories being shared in the Story Art class. I prepared a rough sketch and proposal, and together we met with the Voluntary Services team and the hospital's interior designer, uncertain of how the project would be received. To our delight, the response was overwhelmingly positive. I was allocated a 5’x8’ section of the more than 200 inches of blank wall in the basement tunnel for this exciting project.
Jim Stilwell
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