May, 2025 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature: Tanya O’Brien
This month we’re honored to highlight a powerful poem from Tanya, a U.S. Navy Veteran, retired nurse, and mother of four. As a busy parent and proud partner, Tanya also shares her life with her service dog, Charley, who loves traveling by her side. Through her creative work, she’s discovering new ways to express emotions that can be difficult to put into words.
Name:
Tanya O’Brien
Artist Moniker:
Toni
Branch of service:
USN
About:
I’m a retired nurse. I’m married with 4 kids ages 11-19 all still at home. I have a service dog named Charley who loves to travel with me.
Title of piece:
The Forgotten Ones
Medium of piece:
Poem
Poem:
Meaning behind piece:
Wanted to recognize my fellow female Veterans
What inspires you to create art?:
Trying to find a way to express how I feel since I can’t do it when I talk to people
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
I’m not sure I’m still exploring
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
Yes I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone so I can grow
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
Something will inspire me - a word, a song, a picture.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
A safe place to express myself and let others see how I really feel
Our monthly theme for May is Rooted, but Tanya submitted this in June, when our theme was The Great Outdoors. Here’s what Tanya had planned for the month:
Looking at pictures of my favorite spot in NH
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
No work you do is bad, it’s all an expression
