Crafting a Heritage for Heroes

For over a century, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts has been a welcoming escape for anyone who is interested in enhancing their artistic skills. A place to explore one’s passions, develop new skills and try unexpected things. One group we’re particularly proud to serve are veterans. We are honored to welcome former servicemen and women to our Gatlinburg campus each year, many of them through veteran scholarships.

Arrowmont is partnering with our friend and neighbor, Ole Smoky, to shine a light on this unique scholarship opportunity in hopes we can expand this program to double—or even triple—the number of scholarships available to our veterans!

“So many of us are stuck in our own mind and its hell, and this place is a heaven. It’s a haven. It’s special. It’s unique.”

Jessica Dial, U. s. Navy Veteran

“When I got started in woodturning it gave me purpose. I was retired and I couldn’t walk anymore. This gave me something I could do sitting down.”

Daniel R. Moneymaker, U.S. Army Veteran

“Arrowmont more than met my expectations. I told them I didn’t know anything and they assured me I would learn. They were right.”

Daniel R. Moneymaker, U.S. Army Veteran

“About 7% of the population has been in the service. They do an awful lot for people who haven’t been in the service. So I think people need to donate to take care of those guys.”

Clifton Chisum, U.S. Navy Veteran

"You’ll find that thing we used to have in the military – the brotherhood, the sisterhood – Arrowmont has that same thing but within a creative environment, where the creativity doesn't have these niches or limits. You’re able to spread your wings.”

Angelo Robinson, U.S. Navy Veteran

“Arrowmont was like a breath of fresh air…There’s no pressure on you when you go to Arrowmont. They make the workshops so interesting that you want to get involved. The experience you get there is unlike anywhere else.”

Daniel R. Moneymaker, U.S. Army Veteran

“Why wouldn’t you donate to this? You can see what a difference this makes in our lives and how much we need that.”

Jessica Dial, U.S. Navy Veteran