Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay Presents The “Force for Art”
Vet
erans Art Center of Tampa Bay is the first art center in the state of Florida dedicated to and in support of our military veterans, first responders, and their families. The VACTB has generated Veteran interest in educational programs that teach the fundamentals of art, and how to use it as a healing treatment. The Center is having it’s Grand Opening on March 25, 2017 from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm. As you may already be aware, The VACTB is Florida’s first art center for Military, Veterans, First Responders and Families that provide therapy, healing, wellness and education programming. The Center is located in “Gas Light Square”, at 6798 Crosswinds Drive N., in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The Formal Ceremony will be at 3:00PM. The day will feature special music guests including Billboard Artist B. Taylor and Laura Westley of “War Virgin”, art exhibits, street performers, food trucks, and a kids’ art zone in a people and pet friendly atmosphere. The purpose of the event is not only to showcase art created by our local veterans and first responders but to also raise awareness for the Center, what we do and how we help.
Major (R) “Mack” Macksam is the creator of this powerful organization. “The idea is to provide an atmosphere for these Artists to learn, display and sell their art in an 
environment that stimulates discussion about how they express their feelings through art and gain support from likeminded individuals. There is a bond among military personnel that is difficult to put into words. Veterans even struggle to explain it. They just get one another. Art provides a healing sensation that can expand into our everyday life.”
Two of the artist that will be featured at the VACTB were also selected to display their art at the Stratz Center. Both fine art photographer Larry Busby (photographic art above and top left
) and artist Saori Murphy (art featured below left and right) will both be featured artist at this center. Larry was a suicidal Veteran that actually has recovered by working with his art. He states that “If I can help just one more Veteran survive it will all be worthwhile.”
The Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay is open to the public by appointment at this time by calling 813 504 3092. The website is www.vactb.org . To learn more about how these Veteran’s lives have been changed please visit back to the Destination Tampa Bay Websitefor a more in-depth story on the importance of this center using art to help Military, Veterans, First Responders and Families.