Heartland Community College Lincoln to offer CreatiVets program

The Heartland Community College CreatiVets art program is coming to Lincoln. 

A CreatiVets course, which introduces beginners and intermediates to expression through various art mediums, will be offered this summer by Heartland Community College Lincoln. Tuition and all course expenses for this course will be paid for student veterans thanks to a partnership with the non-profit organization CreatiVets. 

The course will be held off campus at Hope of 5^th, 200 5^th Street, Lincoln. Wednesday afternoon sessions run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. from June 3 to July 22, 2026. 

CreatiVets Executive Director Richard Casper attended Heartland Community College from 2007-2009 and received an Associate in Arts degree. He is a United States Marine veteran, Purple Heart recipient, artist, and entrepreneur. 

Casper co-founded the organization to provide art, music, and writing programs for combat veterans with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. He was named one of TIME Magazine's Next Generation Leaders, is the subject of TIME’s documentary Evidence of Things Unseen, and was recognized by President George W. Bush and The Bush Institute for his passion and work helping combat veterans. 

Nominated by Heartland Community College, Casper was the 2021 recipient of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Distinguished Alumni Award. 

The course is open to veterans, their caregivers, and military spouses. Individuals interested in registering or learning more about the CreatiVets art course may contact Jerry Andrew at jerri.andrew@heartland.edu or by phone at 309-268-8872.