On September 5 from 6 to 8 pm, the Grand Forks Arts Center hosted “Prism,” an event celebrating the arts community and showcasing the work of veterans and local artists. Arts for Vets, a thriving hub of creativity, brings together veterans, artists, and the wider community under the leadership of Kimberly Forness Wilson. The organization has evolved from a small non-profit gallery into a space for artistic expression and healing.
Arts for Vets was founded in 2015 by several veterans and their family members Cathy Peterson, Doris Lebby, Janet Nelson, Tim Vanyou, John Hanson, and Kimberly Forness Wilson is the Executive Director. The mission is to produce creative arts classes and exhibits that engage the community. Throughout the year there are exhibits that highlight veterans.
Wilson discovered the gallery when she was searching for a location for Arts for Vets non-profit, which supports veterans through art. The original gallery, Art Nest, was founded by two local artists. Rachel Alexander, one of the founders who was a featured artist at the event, said they struggled due to the demands of running the non-profit while working full-time jobs. When Kim took over, she reimagined the space as a resource for both veterans and the community, offering various programs centered around creativity and healing.
“We wanted this space to be a place where veterans and the community could come together through art,” Wilson said. “Art has the power to heal, and we wanted to offer veterans that creative outlet.”
Arts for Vets offers a wide range of programs, including painting, metalworking, and business development workshops, all tailored to veterans and their families. Local Navy Veteran Randi Goodoien teaches metalworking classes and flame painting classes. His involvement is part of a larger effort by the organization to engage veterans in the arts, providing both a creative outlet and a way to connect with others who have shared similar experiences.
Though the organization’s mission is centered on veterans, many of the artists emphasize that Arts for Vets is open to everyone. Senta Grzadzielewski, an artist and board member who also serves in the Space Force at Cavalier, shared “there’s a misconception that this is only for veterans, but we want the entire community to use the space. It’s a place for anyone interested in art, whether you’re a student, a seasoned artist, or just curious.”
Arts for Vets now hosts 13 resident artists, each contributing a unique style and perspective. “All the artists’ work in different mediums, acrylic, mixed media, photography, there’s something for everyone here,” one resident artist said about the diversity of the space.
For veterans, Arts for Vets has become a vital resource. Beyond art classes, the organization provides business advice and mental health resources, aimed at helping veterans and other community members to find resources and a sense of community. Wilson, whose father and other family members served in the military, understands the unique challenges veterans face. “We’re not just about art,” she said. “We want to provide veterans and community members at large with the tools they need to succeed, whether through art or other support services.”
The organization served over 1,500 people last year, and Wilson hopes to expand its reach further. “We want to be a space where people from all walks of life feel welcome,” she said. “Whether you’re here for an art class or just to browse an exhibit, we want everyone to feel like they belong.”
Becca Cruger, another resident artist, encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities the center offers. “If you’re a student artist, come on down to the Grand Forks Art Center,” Cruger said. She also mentioned various groups like Artist Underground, where visual artists collaborate on projects and exchange ideas, and the River Folks Watercolor Society. “If you’re an artist, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
In addition to regular classes and workshops, Arts for Vets hosts several major exhibits throughout the year at their three locations. One of the upcoming events is the Creative Forces Show, in collaboration with UND Art Collections at Colombia Hall, features work by veteran artists from across the region. Following that, the organization will host its second annual Native American Art Show in November, highlighting Native veterans and artists from across North Dakota at their main gallery at 215 N 3rd Street Grand Forks, ND. Resident artist Tammy Nadeau, who has Native American heritage, encourages people to come and experience art that reflects the mix of emotions and cultural experiences explored through the medium’s art music, cultural sharing, and food.
As the organization continues to grow, Wilson’s vision for Arts for Vets remains focused on its core mission, creating a space where veterans and the community can come together to share, learn, and create. “It’s about more than just the art on the walls,” Wilson said. “It’s about building connections and giving people a place to belong and thrive in creative community.”
Whether it’s for students, members of the community, or veterans themselves, Arts for Vets offers a welcoming space for anyone interested in the arts.
Upcoming Events at Arts for Vets:
- Open Monday – Thursday 6 pm to 8 pm and Saturday 12 pm – 5pm
- Downtown Alive (September 12): Art and Music throughout downtown.
- Prism Show (Sept 5 through Sept 30)
- Graffiti Art Show (Oct. 10): Featuring graffiti and comic-style art from community members.
- Creative Forces Show (November): Featuring veteran artists and their work.
- Native American Art Show (November): Highlighting Native veterans and artists at Columbia Hall.
For more information, visit Arts for Vets on Facebook (Arts4Vets) or Instagram @artcentergf. Their contact information is [email protected] or 701-330-3072
Artist Featured:
- Senta Lauren Art
- R.Alexander Fine Art
- jessicawoodsabstracts
- Kimberly Forness Wilson
- Sheri Dawn Photography
- Tammie Nadeau
- Damsel of Distressed
Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].
