H.E.ART Program
The HEART Program at the Art Center of Corpus Christi is a vital initiative aimed at supporting veterans and their families through the transformative power of art. Drawing on the understanding that creative expression can significantly benefit individuals grappling with trauma and mental health issues, the program seeks to address the urgent need for arts-based interventions within the veteran community.
Discover healing through creativity at the Art Center of Corpus Christi. The HEART Program offers FREE annual memberships to veterans and their families, providing access to art classes, workshops, and a supportive community of fellow veterans.
Why Art Matters for Veterans Creative expression provides powerful pathways for processing experiences, reducing stress, and building meaningful connections. Our program addresses the urgent need for arts-based healing interventions within the veteran community.
Ready to Start Your Journey? Join a community where your service is honored and your creativity is celebrated.
Generously supported by the Puente de Maravillas Foundation
Your Free Membership Includes:
-
Annual membership for veteran + spouse/ one family member
-
Veteran-specific art classes and workshops
-
Scholarship opportunities for specialized programs
-
Priority registration for exhibitions and events
-
Professional art instruction in a welcoming environment
-
Access to our annual November Veterans Art Exhibit
Meet Your Veteran Liaison
Lloyd Niederriter
Vietnam veteran & 3-time Purple Heart recipient. Lloyd connects veterans to creative opportunities and understands the veteran experience.
Recent Programming
About Our Partner: K Space Contemporary K Space Contemporary, housed in a historic Kress Five & Dime building in downtown Corpus Christi, has been creating community murals since 2001. The nonprofit organization hosts exhibitions, workshops, and signature events including the Dia de los Muertos Festival and First Friday ArtWalk. Visit K Space Contemporary: Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-5pm | Sunday: 12-4pm First Fridays: Until 9pm for ArtWalk Always free admission Learn more: www.kspacecontemporary.org
Community Mural Project Honors Vietnam Veteran Artist
This summer marked a special collaboration between K Space Contemporary and the Art Center, bringing together 36 young artists (ages 13-17) to create a stunning large-scale mural based on original artwork by Josemaria Lopez, a Vietnam veteran and longtime Art Center contributor.
Project Highlights:
-
3-week intensive mural camp led by teaching artists Emily Quintanilla and Amera Saenz
-
26th mural completed through K Space Contemporary's acclaimed Mural Arts Program
-
Prime location on Shoreline Blvd arches, transforming one of the city's most visible public spaces
-
Meaningful partnership showcasing veteran artistry and youth talent
Why This Project Matters
The Art Center suggested Josemaria Lopez as the featured artist due to his deep community connections and artistic contributions over many years. This project represents the intersection of veteran recognition, youth mentorship, and public art beautification.
Community Partnership
This project was made possible through generous support from HEB, Fox Pest Control, El Camino, AEP Texas, and Axis Tattoo and Electra Art.
Community Outreach: Poppy Pin Project with Scout Pack 65
Art Center Partners with Local Scouts to Honor Veterans
The Art Center of Corpus Christi recently collaborated with Scout Pack 65 to create handmade poppy pins for donation to the local VFW Hall. Karen and Jeff Turner from the Art Center led the hands-on clay workshop, teaching scouts the art of ceramic poppy making while honoring military service members.
Project Highlights:
-
Scouts created ceramic poppy pins using red clay and specialized molds
-
Each clay brick produces approximately 50 poppies for veteran organizations
-
Arrows of Light (5th grade scouts) led educational program about poppy symbolism
-
Reading of "In Flanders Fields" poem connected art-making to remembrance
-
Discussion of military sacrifice across American wars provided historical context
Educational Impact
The workshop combined artistic skill-building with meaningful civic education. Older scouts took leadership roles, explaining the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and reading the classic WWI poem that inspired the tradition.
Community Connection
This collaborative project demonstrates the Art Center's commitment to veteran support through both direct programming and community partnerships. The handmade poppies will be distributed by the VFW Hall to honor local veterans and fallen service members.
Ongoing Partnership
Materials and molds have been organized for future poppy-making sessions at the Art Center's clay studio, establishing this as a recurring community service project.
More photos and project documentation available through Scout Pack 65