Blacksmithing Workshop Empowers Veterans Through Creative Healing

A blacksmith workshop in Esquimalt, Canada, is providing veterans and first responders with a unique opportunity to heal through art. The initiative, led by Christopher Hennebery, founder of the Veteran Artists Collective, has gained traction since its inception in 2021, offering a range of creative workshops aimed at alleviating stress and anxiety among participants.

Hennebery, who has a rich background in both art and military service, emphasizes the therapeutic benefits that creative expression can provide. “Art has always been a very personal experience for me,” he stated. “I found it very useful for helping me deal with stress, anxiety, and some of the experiences that you go through in the military.”

The collective was born out of a need for mental health support, especially in light of the challenges many faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hennebery noted, “Mental health came to the forefront of everybody’s minds, especially in the military.” The workshops include various artistic mediums, but blacksmithing has emerged as a standout favorite, drawing significant interest from participants.

Will Steed, a navy veteran and full-time blacksmith, leads the blacksmithing sessions, where participants create their own camp axes. Hennebery explained, “The idea is that through this creative experience, they’re going to shut off their brain and get into the process of painting or working the forge.” Each participant begins with raw steel, learning to shape, sharpen, and polish it into a practical work of art.

The workshops, which span across Canada, including locations in Ontario, the Yukon, and British Columbia, have attracted over 250 members. One such participant, army reservist and RCMP officer Bryan Gardner, attended a recent blacksmithing workshop on the weekend of October 18-19, 2023. Gardner highlighted the profound impact of the workshops, stating, “It’s a powerful thing to get the minds of veterans off whatever might be bothering them.”

Participants appreciate the relaxed environment where they can engage in the creative process without the pressure of conventional therapy. Gardner noted, “There’s no shrink here. You don’t have to say anything, and that’s the beauty.” This approach allows individuals to work at their own pace while also fostering connections with their peers.

The workshops have received “100 percent positive feedback,” according to Hennebery, who invites all military members and first responders to join. What began as a personal endeavor for Hennebery quickly transformed into a community initiative that offers healing through creativity. “I do it because I love doing it,” he shared. “And I get a lot out of it because I get to see my brothers and sisters come out and learn something.”

The Veteran Artists Collective continues to grow, promoting mental health support through artistic engagement. Those interested in learning more or contributing to the initiative can visit vetartists.ca for additional information.