Forest (Robby) Herron is a U.S Navy Veteran who served from 1980-82. He was diagnosed with a serious mental illness at the age of 19. As a member of the Giant Steps program, Robby states, “This is like a family for me—I’m able to get out of my shell. His artwork is often filled with colorful geometric shapes, and always has personal meaning. Sometimes it may reflect a recent event in his life, other times it alludes to the simple pleasures in life. Robby expresses that creating art, “…helps me cope with symptoms, and ultimately makes me feel better about myself and the world.” View Robby’s most current fine arts paintings in our full screen gallery here.
The Giant Steps Program is an arts-driven outpatient mental health program for Veterans connected with VA Connecticut Healthcare. The mission of Giant Steps is to promote the wellness and recovery of Veterans by providing opportunities for creative expression, and connection with others so they can rediscover personal strengths, manage stress, build resilience, enhance self-empowerment and find meaning and pleasure in their lives.
Contributor Contact:
Laura Spinelli, MA, ATR, LPC
Director, Giant Steps Program
VA Connecticut HCS
laura.spinelli@va.gov