VETART casts a novel idea in fundraising

FALLBROOK – Corporate losses due to the Coronavirus could spell doom for small nonprofits like the Veterans Art Project. Steve Dilley, who founded VETART in 2009, has come up with a unique response to the program's budget deficit. Beginning Sept. 30, VETART will thank donors of $7500 or more by casting their face, or a face of their choice, in bronze.

"A life-cast face has a different presence than a photograph or a small model," Dilley said. "You can see yourself the way other people see you, in three dimensions, full sized, from the outside."

Bronze castings are expensive to make, but Dilley already has the equipment. The VETART Bronze foundry is located in Fallbrook, near Camp Pendleton.

"This is a unique opportunity to have a life casting of a family member – maybe a high school senior – that documents that person in a truly dignified material," said Dilley. "We will come to you and take a wax mold of your face. Then, you can come to our studio to watch us pour your portrait in red-hot liquid bronze."

Dilley hopes this unique opportunity will help VETART raise the money it needs to keep both studios running. Tonya Savice, an Air Force Veteran, is a student and volunteer for VETART's Ceramics and Glass program in Vista. "We need the studio," she said.

VETART (http://www.vetart.org) offers art therapy and art education free of charge to service members, veterans and their families and caregivers. VETART is a fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) organization serving the military community. Affiliates include the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, National Education Association's Creative Forces, California Arts Council, County of San Diego, USO Camp Pendleton and the Intrepid Spirit Center, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. For more information, contact [email protected].

Submitted by VETART.