CAV Books are free, and they come with art supplies.
(Creative Arts for Vets)
An Indiana University program has reached thousands of veterans across the U.S., giving them a free way to cope and heal through art therapy.
Creative Arts for Vets, with the IU Center for Rural Engagement, first began distributing the free artbooks in March 2023. Since then, the organization has distributed about 9,000 CAV Books in all 50 states. The book comes from a blend of human rights, social work and art therapy perspectives, Campus Partnerships Director and Adjunct Lecturer Todd Burkhardt said.
“The really great thing about this book is we can get this to you wherever you are, whether you're urban, you’re rural, you’re suburban, anywhere in the United States,” Burkhardt said.
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reported suicide is a national health epidemic. Veterans are at a higher risk, though recently the VA’s annual report showed the rate fell for certain age groups and those who sought care through the Veterans Health Administration. Burkhardt said in Indiana, the rate is higher than the national average.
He said he’s received impactful responses because of CAV Books. Everyday there are more orders.
“Somebody wrote, ‘This saved my life,’” Burkhardt said. “I think it's helping. So I'm thrilled to be a part of this.”
Creative Arts for Vets is an authorized vendor by the VA. The books have been distributed in over 70 facilities such as veteran centers, medical centers, outpatient clinics and primary care offices.
“A lot of the books that have been ordered are from service providers,” Burkhardt said. “These are the people who are educated, experienced and work in mental health. And they see this as a valuable resource for their clients.”
The CAV book took about seven months to develop. Burkhardt said the book could fix a problem with access. People loved in-person events, he said, but it could be hard to make it to Bloomington. And for locals, sometimes their calendars didn’t match up.
"But it got me thinking,” Burkhardt said. “Because if we can use art as a way to help people move through some trauma that they've been exposed to, whether first or second hand, maybe once every three months or once every six months isn't really enough.”
Lauren Daugherty, an arts-based wellness experience manager at the IU Eskenazi Museum of Art, helped create the book.
“The whole basis of art therapy and arts-based wellness is that we find meaning and relaxation and well-being from making things,” Daugherty told IU shortly after the project began. “Art therapists see art as a healing modality. A lot of times you can get things out of your brain — out of your body — through images you don’t feel comfortable saying with words, or that you’re not even aware of.”
Burkhardt said the book can be a gateway or a platform for conversations about veteran experiences.
It exposes veterans to many mediums, supported by evidence that shows art can reduce issues associated with mental illness, substance use, post-traumatic stress, moral injury and survivor’s guilt.
The Indiana Department of Health awarded the program a grant, Burkhardt said, viewing it as a harm reduction kit.
“I think that's powerful and in and of itself — of labeling it that and the benefit of art,” Burkhardt said. “Because using art can help create coping strategies that are not maladaptive.”
Burkhardt credits an “amazing team” of students for handling administrative and logistical work.
Burkhardt works to secure funding for the “financially unsustainable” project — each book costs about $35 and ships for free. Some people choose to donate to support CAV Books, plus IU and Purdue University pledged funding. Major partners include the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Burkhardt, a veteran himself, said CAV Books give him a way to continue to serve.
“I’m no longer active duty in the military, working with men and women in the military,” Burkhardt said. “But now working with men and women across the United States, regarding their mental health and well-being.”
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For the Veteran Suicide and Crisis line, press 1.
Locate your Indiana County Veterans Service Officer here.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright.
