Vicenza Arts and Crafts Center manager and personnel assist participants in the Open House that took place at the center March 30. During the event, participants had the opportunity to see what's offered in the form of services and classes, samples o...

CASERMA EDERLE, Vicenza, Italy -- Community members may know the local art center on Caserma Ederle for framing and engraving, or maybe have heard about collaborative youth programs through the Child and Youth Services EDGE program. Perhaps you've received a beautiful fused glass piece as a gift from someone who has learned about glass fusing.

No matter what your experience is, the center probably offers much more than you think.

Throughout the years, the Vicenza Arts & Crafts Center has grown and added numerous services and programs to meet the needs of the ever-changing military community. The center offers various services, such as classes for adults and youth, and do-it-yourself clay and multicraft studios with an abundance of materials at customer disposal. In addition, customers are able to certify to use the wood shop and frame studio to create personalized projects.

One special program that is gaining ground is the Resiliency through Art program. In 2011, the Resiliency through Art program was geared towards Warrior Transition Unit Soldiers and spouses/family members of deployed Soldiers. It was a creative outlet for participants and was the first of its kind provided on a military installation. Using everything from pencils and paper to clay and collage, this program has proven to be an incredible outlet for anyone dealing with stress, anger, separation anxiety and more. This program is also good for boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Michelle Sterkowicz, program manager and certified art therapist, has been working on a larger level with Installation Management Command G9 out of Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to train other arts and crafts center managers on how to facilitate appropriately such a program within their art centers. Thus far, Sterkowicz has trained eight program managers, all of whom are interested in expanding this program to benefit our Soldiers and family members.

"We hope that this program continues to grow and that there will be some continuity from base to base for individuals wanting to take advantage of this wonderful program," Sterkowicz said.

Starting this month, the Resiliency through Art program will travel to CYSS facilities to ensure that youth involved in after-school CYSS programs can also benefit from this program. Anyone interested in getting his or her children involved should contact the program manager at the local CYSS facility. Art center personnel will be at the SAC, Youth Center and Teen Center.