About this Event
About O.A.R.
Operation Art of Recovery is our free therapeutic art program for veterans, active duty soldiers and family/caregivers of those who serve. The OAR program is carried out over the span of 20 weeks.
The art sessions are taught by veteran and professional artist, Perry Draper. He is assisted by AmeriCorps volunteers who are veterans themselves trained in Peer Support.
ALL active duty soldiers, veterans, family members and caregivers are eligible for this program. There are NO required fees for OAR members and you do not have to be an artist to join. All materials are provided.
Where and When:
Classes are held on Saturdays from 9am-12pm at the studio located at 701 N. 10th St. in downtown Killeen
Requirements:
Must be an active duty soldier, veteran, family member or caregiver of those who serve to be eligible for this program.
About Us
Killeen Creators is a community service organization with a mission to combat food insecurity, Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), and disenfranchisement by building individual and community capacity through our Community Garden, Civic Empowerment, and ART of Recovery initiatives.
Agenda
First Session - February 1st
Info: This week’s focus is Gesture Drawing, an expressive and freeing art form that captures movement, energy, and emotion. In this session, we’ll explore: Intuition – Letting go of perfection and trusting your instincts. Risk – Embracing uncertainty and pushing beyond self-imposed limits. Trust – Learning to trust the process, the materials, and yourself.
No prior art experience is needed—just an open mind and willingness to explore. Our peer support format ensures a welcoming and judgment-free space where creativity and healing go hand in hand. What to bring? All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook if you’d like. Cost? Free to attend
Second Session - February 8th
Info: This week’s focus is Still Life: Animal Guides, using drawing as a tool for inspiration, comfort, and self-reflection. In this session, we’ll explore: Symbolism – The animals you choose to draw can reveal insights about your current state or personal growth. Expression – Exploring strengths and characteristics through artistic interpretation. No prior art experience is needed—just an open mind and willingness to explore. Our peer support format ensures a welcoming and judgment-free space where creativity and healing go hand in hand. What to bring? All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook if you’d like. Cost? Free to attend.
Third Session - February 15th
Info: his week’s focus is Mandala Grid Lines, an artistic meditation practice rooted in Eastern traditions. In this session, we’ll explore: Balance & Ratio – Understanding proportions and structure within mandala design. Intuitive Creation – Using shapes and symbols to reflect personal meaning. Meditative Process – Finding relaxation and mindfulness through repetitive patterns. No prior art experience is needed—just an open mind and willingness to explore. Our peer support format ensures a welcoming and judgment-free space where creativity and healing go hand in hand. What to bring? All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook if you’d like. Cost? Free to attend.
Fourth Session - February 22nd
Info: This week’s focus is Visual & Hidden Self, an exercise in self-reflection and artistic integration. Building on skills from previous sessions, we will explore: Self-Perception – Expressing both the visible and hidden aspects of ourselves. Symbolism & Storytelling – Using imagery to represent emotions, experiences, and identity. Creative Integration – Applying gesture drawing, still life, and mandala techniques into a cohesive piece. The activity will involve sketching a face divided down the middle—one half representing the visible self and the other the hidden self. No prior art experience is needed—just an open mind and willingness to explore. Our peer support format ensures a welcoming and judgment-free space where creativity and healing go hand in hand. What to bring? All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook if you’d like. Cost? Free to attend.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
701 N 10th St, 701 North 10th Street, Killeen, United States
USD 0.00
