In the spring of 2018, the Morean Arts Center began a community-based arts program with James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (JAHVH), one of several clinical sites for Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.  The Network, is a partnership among the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), the U.S. Department of Defense, and Department of Veteran Affairs and state agencies that serve the special needs of military patients and veterans who have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and psychological health conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The network consists of doctors, creative arts therapists, artists, arts organization staff and community members who believe in the transformative and restorative powers of the arts.  See the Operation: Art of Valor 2021 Memorial Day Art Exhibition

As the regional community-based arts partner the Morean Arts Center initially offered glassblowing and glass art classes in their Morean Glass Studios.  Veteran Chris Stowe, saw the particular benefit of bringing the art of glass blowing to Veterans. With the support and partnership of the JAHVH in Tampa, Art of Valor quickly developed into a structured course with a curriculum consisting of six levels of instruction. Studies completed by the University of South Florida Graduate Psychology program revealed that the developed glass art program was especially valuable in serving the needs of the military and veteran population through structured, hands-on learning that focuses on improving cognition, social interaction, physical dexterity, teamwork and confidence building. The AOV Glass Artists meet in the hot shop most Sundays. Veterans interested in learning more are encouraged to contact groupsales@moreanartscenter.org.