TAMPA, Fla. — This weekend, veterans will step up to the microphone and let their creativity flow. 


What You Need To Know


The Straz Center is working with Art2Action and Paint 22 to host an art show and open mic night for veterans.

Jessica Coulter, an Air Force veteran, has worked on a sculpture for the event. For her, it's more than just art. It's therapy.

She told us she was sexually assaulted during her time in the military and never reported it. Coulter said she struggled because of what happened, but now art is helping her to heal.

“You get to choose how you want to live your life and if you’re depressed or going through a lot, it’s really difficult. So that’s why sometimes art is the answer,” Coulter said. “You can’t argue with art.”

Coulter will co-host the first of a series of Veteran Community Open Mic Nights. 

This event will take place underneath the Riverwalk Tent at the Straz Center on Sunday, October 3rd from 6:30 - 9 p.m. It is free and everyone is invited.