The Orlando VA Healthcare System and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts have partnered to offer Veterans and their caregivers free creative arts workshops.
The initiative provides opportunities for Veterans to connect, express themselves, and heal through the arts in a supportive environment. Classes are designed to foster wellness, reduce stress, and build community while offering new outlets for creative expression.
Workshops Offered at Dr. Phillips Center:
- Drumming Circle – Wednesdays, 10m – 11am
- Choir – Wednesdays, 10am – 11am
Round-trip shuttle transportation will be provided from the Lake Baldwin VA Clinic to Dr. Phillips Center. Veterans must drive to the Lake Baldwin VA Clinic or directly to Dr. Phillips Center, and parking expenses will be reimbursed. Veterans can park in the Orange County Administration garage attached to the Orange County tax collector’s office.
Workshops Offered at SimVet located on the Orlando VA Medical Center’s (Lake Nona) campus:
Location: 2nd Floor, Room 2A-205
- Drumming Circle (Caregivers only) – Mondays, 10am – 11am
- Drumming Circle (Veterans only) – Mondays, 11:30am – 12:30pm
- Improv Theater – Tuesdays, 11am – 12pm
- Spoken Word Poetry – Thursdays, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Class sizes are limited and some are currently full. Interested Veterans must complete the form online.
All workshops are provided at no cost.
“This partnership highlights our commitment to whole health by expanding creative outlets for our Veterans and caregivers,” said Timothy J. Cooke, Director/CEO, Orlando VA Healthcare System. “The arts can be a powerful tool for healing and connection, and we are excited to provide these opportunities in collaboration with the Dr. Phillips Center.”
The OVAHCS encourages Veterans and caregivers to take advantage of these innovative programs that support well-being through creative expression.
“Our Arts & Wellness programing creates a transformative space where Veterans can heal, connect and thrive through creative expression,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “Through our partnership with the Orlando VA Healthcare System, we’re expanding innovative programs that honor Veterans service while fostering holistic well-being and building lasting community connections.”
This program is funded by the Hatalom Corporation, Pabst Steinmetz Foundation, VyStar Foundation and the Winifred Johnson Clive Foundation through the official partnership between Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Orlando VA Healthcare System.
