The Canton Museum of Art (CMA) has been awarded a Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant from the NEA Military Healing Arts Network. This grant will support the museum’s Alpha-Romeo-Tango (ART) Program, now in its second year. The program offers free art classes to the Stark County military community, focusing on creative self-expression and community connection.

The ART Program, led by artist Susan Mentrak, provides 10-week sessions of art classes, including hand-building clay creations, culminating in a community celebration. These classes aim to help participants express themselves, share stories, and build connections, ultimately promoting well-being and resilience. Additional programming includes “Day of Clay” workshops and “Art & Creative Writing” and “Art & Music” events, in collaboration with the Military and First Responders Center at Pegasus Farm.

According to CMA Director & CEO Max Barton II, the program aligns with the museum’s mission to make art accessible and meaningful for all, particularly for those who serve the country. The initiative is designed to address the needs of military-connected individuals by providing access to community arts experiences, thereby promoting their health and overall quality of life. The grant is part of a national initiative that awarded over $886,000 to 48 organizations across the U.S. to support military communities.

Source: https://www.cantonart.org/sites/default/files/2025_06_25_CMA_Creative_Forces_Media_Release.pdf