Even in the best of times, Veterans often find it difficult to replace the feelings of belonging and purpose they felt during their time in service. And this is most certainly not the best of times. This is why the national nonprofit, Challenge America, joined forces with the Heartstrings Foundation to create the Challenge America Veteran Arts Community, CAVARTS.org.

CAVARTS offers a supportive and inclusive community where Veterans form new bonds forged on their shared interest in the arts.

What is the Challenge America Veteran Arts Community (CAVARTS)?

CAVARTS is more than a social network; it’s a community. It’s a safe and supportive space where Veterans can pursue their artistic passions, discover new interests, or share their appreciation for the art that moves them. You don’t have to be an artist to join. All you need is an interest in the arts and a commitment to supporting your fellow Veterans.

CAVARTS welcomes all Veterans, regardless of discharge status, era of service, gender or sexuality. If you raised your hand to take the Oath of Enlistment, we welcome you to join.

What makes CAVARTS unique?

On your first visit to the CAVARTS community, you will find an engaging conversation and so much more. For Veterans with more general interests, our homepage is a great place to start. It offers a free-ranging conversation and a user-friendly way to explore the other features that make up our community.

When you are ready to move beyond the homepage, check out our Art Rooms. Here you will find more focused conversations and resources on specific art forms, like music, painting and creative writing. If you’re interested in learning how to create something new, pay a visit to the CAVARTS Creation Station. Here you will find user-friendly courses, workshops, and the Artists’ Resource Library, where we’re building an easy-to-search list of services and service providers, complete with reviews from a source you can trust: your fellow Veterans. Finally, make sure you check out the Events Calendar, where you can discover upcoming workshops and other art-related events, searchable by date and location.

Don’t see something that interests you? Just let us know. We will add new events, topics, groups, and learning opportunities as we go along, based on member interests. Members like you will guide how this community grows and evolves over time. In other words, we’re building this together.

CAVARTS.org was designed by Veterans, for Veterans.

If you are a Veteran who likes music or drawing or writing or other forms of expression, CAVARTS was designed for you. Rediscover the sense of belonging and purpose you felt during your service. Join CAVARTS.org for free today.

To learn more about CAVARTS, please visit cavarts.org.

Video about Challenge America and CAVARTS: youtu.be/N01t0rX4Mfk.

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on part of VA.


Dallas Blaney, Ph.D., is the executive director of Challenge America.

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4 Comments

  1. Ralph Damato April 15, 2021 at 14:33

    I would be quite interested in meeting some local Musicians. I have been in music since a boy. I was a Front Man and did many venues including recording. I play Guitar and am constantly looking to advance in it as I taught myself virtually everything. I have originals and do covers that are arranged. I would love to learn more from other Guitarists.

  2. george wesley platt April 14, 2021 at 23:59

    I write poetry, songs and short stories. I have over 300 poems and lyrics on my poetry site at wordrider’s world or george wordrider platt. If you write poems, song lyrics or short stories go to poetrypoem.com. you can put your work on there for free. You can set it up to get feedback. There are thousands of authors on this site. Thank you God bless the world.

  3. Jeff B. Jungbluth April 14, 2021 at 21:50

    I have been involved it the arts all my life. My time studying art in college was cut short because of Viet Nam. I’m really excited at the prospect of being involved in art thru the VA. Thank you!

  4. Arthur C. Schill April 14, 2021 at 19:01

    I am a stand-up comedian and have done many shows for VFWs and American Legions, as well as having been asked to do my comedy for patients at the local VA hospital. In 2017, shortly after starting to do stand-up, I won the AARP Funniest Comedian Contest and, as a result, have performed in clubs, theaters and colleges along the East Coast. I am also a member of the Veterans Comedy Assault, made up of veterans, and part of Project 9Line.

    Have you thought of adding stand-up to this program? I would also be glad to help teach newcomers.

    Art Schill

Comments are closed.

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