We are proud to share a recent WNEP Newswatch 16 story featuring artist and instructor Jay Davenport and an inspiring new program at Davenport Studios in Lehighton, Pennsylvania.
The program provides veterans from Carbon County with six months of free art instruction, offering participants an opportunity to learn new skills, spend time with fellow veterans, and experience the positive impact of creative work on their lives.
For the ÀNI Art Academies community, Jay’s story has a special connection to our own history.
Jay studied under Anthony Waichulis from 2001 to 2005 at the Waichulis Studio, completing a four-year apprenticeship. He went on to build a successful career as both a professional artist and instructor, eventually establishing Davenport Studios in Lehighton. Today, Jay is passing that knowledge forward in a particularly meaningful way.
Through the new veterans program, participants are introduced to drawing and painting in a welcoming studio environment. The classes provide much more than an opportunity to develop artistic skills. They also create a place where veterans can connect with one another, focus on creative outlets, and find a sense of accomplishment through making art. The initiative reflects something we have long believed at ÀNI Art Academies: developing artistic skills can have an impact that extends far beyond the artwork itself. The discipline, focus, problem-solving, and confidence that come from learning to draw and paint can provide meaningful benefits in many areas of life.
We are incredibly proud to see Jay using his experience as an artist and educator to give back to veterans in his local community and to see the skills and traditions developed during his years at the Waichulis Studio continuing to reach new generations of artists. Congratulations to Jay and everyone involved in making this wonderful program possible!
Read and watch the full WNEP Newswatch 16 story:
Veterans Find Healing Through New Art Classes at Davenport Studios
To learn more about Davenport Studios: Davenport Studios
