Featured Artist

Mike Henry

Mike Henry is a veteran and professional artist who serves as a facilitator with the Patriot Art Foundation. Through his role as an instructor, he combines his passion for art with his commitment to supporting fellow veterans. Mike has led up to five classes for veterans in VA hospitals and clinics as part of the Brushes with Valor program. Reflecting on his experience, one participating veteran shared, “You have taught me how an artist sees the world.”Mike Henry was interviewed by Sherrie Kleithch of the Yale Expositor for an article titled “Yale artist creates ethereal works inspired by light, experience.” In the article, Mike shares his unconventional path to art: he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1979 to 1982, then built a 40-year career with UPS—using art to relieve stress along the way.

Mike’s painting, “Light My Darkness,” was selected as a finalist by juror Stephen Zhang in Splash 26: The Best of Watercolor. The piece was inspired by the song “I Hear You” by Susan Ashton.In addition to his studio practice, Mike teaches virtual classes for the Patriot Art Foundation’s Brushes with Valor program at veteran clinics and hospitals in San Francisco, Savannah, Miami, Tampa, and throughout Maryland. He recently attended the Art of Valor event, where he met several of his online students in person.Mike shared in the article, “Teaching remains my greatest joy. It keeps you going.” He adds: “My personal motivation for volunteering as an art instructor for the Patriot Art Foundation comes from my desire to give back to veterans and help them find healing through creativity. These classes benefit the mental and physical well-being of veterans and help them build connections with other veterans. This connection is one of the benefits I enjoy, along with being able to share my love and expertise with fellow veterans.”

— Mike Henry, Marine veteran

Positive Impact of Art“Thank you for what you are doing. Learning how to paint has given me my life back.” - Zach H., Veteran

DonateSupport the Patriot Art Foundation With your Donation

Why We Matter:

According to the VA nearly 4 million veterans ages 21-64 report having a disability.
Engaging in the creative arts has proven to improve the perceived physical and psychological health of participants.
Research suggests that art therapy programs, when engaged early, lessen the risk of developing greater PTSD severity later on.
Our programs provide free education and materials to veterans seeking to use art as a pathway to a healthier and more meaningful life.

Donate Now

Join UsVolunteer Art Instructors and Mentors

In 2019, Mary Whyte’s groundbreaking traveling exhibition of 50 watercolors called We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America opened to the public in Charleston, South Carolina. In the first six weeks alone over 22,000 people viewed the collection. The response, especially from veterans, confirmed Whyte’s belief in art’s extraordinary power to communicate and connect. And so, what began as fifty portraits turned into a national mission giving veterans a means of finding whole health through art and self expression.

If you have a heart for veterans, art and teaching, contact info@patriotartfoundation.org