Everything really took off this year at the Veterans Art Center and no signs of slowing down.  We don't need it to slow down but I keep telling myself I will find time to post updates when 'things slow down' and that's not gonna happen. :)

In our last fiscal year we had 242 registered veterans and family members.  This year we are currently at 375 and still have 2 months to go for a total. The few classes we offer have been very well attended and open studio continues to be busy as well.  It is great to see so much use of the studio spaces.

On the regular schedule we have leather projects, leather tooling, tai chi, bodytalk, lets make art, and our newest - Tarot Card readings.  Additionally we have a weekly class for VA Rec therapy and biweekly classes for the VA Mesa Recovery Center.

And we have really good news on the roof.   As many of you know, Justin Shaw, of Honest Roofing, has stripped, repaired and shingled the awning. He has done this at his own expense and we are blessed.  Its not quite finished because it has to tie in with the top roof when that gets rebuilt.  Reedeemed Roffing has given us a fantastic discount on the main roof rebuild and we have been desperately trying to raise the funds.  For Kurtis to order the materials and get started with the tear off we need to come up with 50% of thcontract.  Today, thanks to a grant from WCCF,  we met that milestone goal and we will see activity happening soon.  Now we are  frantic to raise the remaining funds to pay off the contract at completion.  Volunteers who are available to help with the tear off are welcome.

All of us down here at the Veterans Art Center are extremely greatful for the community members who have stepped up to help us with the roof project, and friends and members who have helped with fundraising.  What once seemed like an impossible goal is finally not just in site, but moving into the second stages. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

I am looking for someone, or a group of someones, who would like to host a yard sale for us.  We  do not have any available property on our lot to have one here but have plenty of yard sale items, including arts and craft supplies.

I am also looking for a spot we can park a 65 passenger school bus we have been using for storage.  Or, if someone is interested in purchasing the bus we can probably consider that as well.

We are finishing off our 4th quarter of the fiscal year and plan to have an annual members meeting in July or August. We have had a great year and its time to update you.  Yesterday was the 12th anniversary of opening the doors on the Veterans Art Center so maybe we can celebrate that milestone too.

I will try to update you a little more often.