April 3, 2023 | The Taos News

The Paseo Project, in partnership with Veterans Off-Grid, is offering the Taos County, active military and veteran community a new series of knowledge-based arts projects comprising four workshops.

Participants of “METAL / FIBER / WOOD / STONE” have four half-day sessions with craftspeople from Taos County and can learn hands-on about metal, fiber, wood and stone.

April marks the start of the workshop series, which continues until June. They are open to all of Taos County, active military and veterans. Space is limited and reservations are now being accepted. Attendees may sign up for one or all of them.

Supported by an initial grant from New Mexico Arts, and established through a collaboration with The Paseo Project and Veterans Off-Grid, the workshop set features local artisans with workshops taking place in studios across Taos County.

Together with Veterans Taos Steering Committee Member Tripp Maxwell said, “being a veteran, I understand what it is like to leave the military and have a hard time adjusting to civilian life. Community projects, like the ones held by Together with Veterans, The Paseo Project and Veterans Off-Grid are an important effort to help veterans reconnect with the community they once served through their time in the military.”

Tapping local talent in the arts and crafts of diverse mediums, this new workshop series creates opportunities for military audiences, with the potential to cultivate a capacity for arts programs for active duty and veteran communities in the future.

The program offers learning opportunities and pathways to reintegration. “[This program] shows that the community does care, and it also provides a network for veterans to link up with other veterans, find people they are comfortable talking to about problems and seeing other veterans who have transitioned to non-military life and are living happy and healthy lives. Through random encounters, I have discovered that these organizations exist and am proud to be a part of the work they do.”

Workshop Series Schedule, 2023:

Saturday April 15
METAL: Introduction to Blacksmithing. Facilitated by Travis Webb.

Sunday May 7
FIBER: Introduction to Knitting. Facilitated by Justin Amero.

Saturday May 27
WOOD: Introduction to Woodworking. Facilitated by Bobbi Heidbreder.

Sunday June 11
STONE: Introduction to Stove Carving. Facilitated by Mark Saxe.

The workshops take place in Taos County and sessions are at the artist studios in or near the Town of Taos. Workshops are open to all ages and skill levels. Transportation is also available for those seeking assistance in attending. Learn more about the workshops at paseoproject.org/military.