I am in the process of designing a sculpture I am donating to American Veterans.


The Story

The Veterans Healing Farm director, Al Yeck, contacted me a few months ago through LinkedIn to commission a sculpture for their location in Mills River, NC. I had been dreaming about creating a sculpture to honor veterans for several years, so it was an easy yes for me. Al already had a design chosen so we discussed terms & the commission was secured. A few weeks later I was working on how I would create their design when a thought came to my mind; the design they chose was different than what they needed, they needed a sculpture that felt like peace and healing, and then I had the thought I should donate it to them instead of taking payment.

I already had their promise they would commission a sculpture but the thought wouldn't go away. It made no sense, but after 2 weeks of trying to ignore the thought and questioning my sanity, I reached out to Al and told him about my experience. I asked him if he would receive this "mystery sculpture" I knew nothing about other than how it is suppose to feel. Can you imagine his reaction reading that email? Dear Al, I don't know what it is but I know it feels like peace and healing.
Damn artists, LOL!

He said YES!

and I'm profoundly delighted to share with you that after 7 months of playing with ideas I have started finalizing the design and soon you will get to experience a sculpture I know will bring peace and healing to all who view this monumental work of art. Once I have created all the details I will update this page with pictures of the design and blueprints for the area it will be installed in.


Why I Chose The Veterans Healing Farm

The Veterans Healing Farm is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our nation’s Veterans and their families. Their programs focus on brain health and includes agritherapy (organic farming, beekeeping, medicinal herbs) as well as a variety of other therapies, therapeutic activities, workshops, and live events.

Throughout my life I have suffered from mental health issues that welding and creating are allowing me to heal from; I understand the Veterans Healing Farm's mission on a personal level. Creating this sculpture allows me to both serve our nations veterans and have open conversations about mental health and how we can heal ourselves and others.

You Can Have A Major Impact In Someone's Life

I have chosen to donate 1 year of my time to create this  meaningful sculpture and during that time I'm going to need your support to keep my studio running, purchase material, welding supplies, safety equipment, and transport the sculpture from my studio in Ormond Beach, FL to the farms location in Mills River, NC where it will be professionally installed.

Whether you send a hug, share this project with a friend, or financially support me, I greatly appreciate the love and your being here with me!

Please note the following donation is to support me in the creation, transportation, & installation of the sculpture only, if you would like to support the Veterans Healing Farm & their mission please visit their website at www.veteranshealingfarm.org

Together we rise!

Love forever,
Barbie The Welder