Story by cnmAdmin2030
April 15, 2026
Mike Henry – A Veteran and PAF Art Instructor was interviewed by Sherrie Kleithch from the Yale Expositor for an article titled “Yale artist creates ethereal works inspired by light, experience.” In the article, Mike shares that he had an unconventional path to art. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1979 to 1982. After leaving the military, he embarked on a 40-year career with UPS, using art to relieve stress.
Mike’s painting, “Light My Darkness,” was selected as a finalist by juror Stephen Zhang in Splash 26: The Best of Watercolor art competition. The piece was inspired by the song “I Hear You” by Susan Ashton.
In addition to his artistic achievements, 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 states in the article, “Teaching remains my greatest joy. It keeps you going.”
“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.” By Mike Henry, Marine veteran.
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
Patriot Art Foundation
P.O. Box 620
Mt Pleasant, SC 29465
For more information about online classes or if your company is interested in becoming a PAF partner, please contact Patriot Art Foundation:
© 2026 Patriot Art Foundation | Non-Profit. All Rights Reserved.
Read how veteran and artist Gladys Lawrence shares her experience with Mary Whyte’s Watercolor Bootcamp and how art has impacted her life. The Mailchimp piece centers on Gladys Lawrence, her participation in the Patriot Art Foundation’s Watercolor Bootcamp, and the emotional and creative impact of art in her life.
