"The key factors of that are physical, invisible wounds, isolation, and a myriad of other things," Bryan Bales says.
"But the arts is a way to build community with other veterans, it's a way to heal, it's a way to talk, and it's a way to work through trauma that may have happened."
Bales is the program manager for the Washington State Arts Commission's Wellness, Arts, and the Military program, which last year made its second round of grants available to military communities and veterans.
This year, 17 organizations will receive up to $35,000 in state grants for their work with veterans and art, the Seattle Times reports.
The Buffalo Soldiers Museum of Tacoma, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Monroe, and the Boys and Girls Club of Yakama Nation will receive grants.
Bales says the value in art to veterans is clear: "It's a way to build community with other veterans, it's a way to heal, it's a way to talk, and it's a way to work through trauma that may have happened."
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