Drakulich Foundation Provides Healing Opportunities Through Art “Art Heals War Wounds”

Members of the Drakulich Foundation recently scraped and sanded a flat steel panel at the base of the Veterans Memorial in the city hall courtyard. While the primed rectangle looks plain now, it will soon be transformed into a colorful mural. The design will recreate 12 military service ribbons representing veterans of World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other major conflicts.

Founded in 2008 by Tina Drakulich, the Reno-based foundation serves northern Nevada veterans through arts, humanities, and recreation programs. The nonprofit honors the legacy of David J. Drakulich, a young artist who joined the Army after the 9/11 attacks and was killed in Afghanistan on Jan. 9, 2008. His family continues his artistic mission by helping veterans process emotions through creativity.

“Sometimes veterans can’t articulate the thoughts or feelings that plague them,” said Gene Hughes, president of the foundation. “By giving them an artistic outlet, they can release those burdens in a healthy way.”

Veterans may be referred to the program through Veterans Administration hospitals or by word-of-mouth. Classes include drawing, painting, sculpture, writing, and even acting.

Hughes, a professional artist and Vietnam veteran, first connected with Drakulich in 2010 after a mutual friend introduced them. He quickly became part of the organization, bringing his passion for teaching art to fellow veterans.

The Churchill Arts Council has also embraced the foundation’s mission. On Saturday, Sept. 13, it will host a free papermaking workshop for veterans from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hughes explained the unique element of this class: the paper is created from military uniforms that are shredded and pulped, giving veterans a way to turn symbols of service into something beautiful and new.

In addition, foundation member Tom Drakulich will lead a three-session ceramics course at the Oats Park Art Center, beginning Sept. 10. Registration is available online at churchillarts.org/oatsparkartschool.

For more information about the David J. Drakulich Foundation, visit djdfoundation.org.