We work to transform veterans’ LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF ART
PROFESSIONALLY, RECREATIONALLY, & THERAPEUTICALLY.
HOW IT STARTED
In 2004, Troy Muller was teaching art at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha when a student named Billy Marples walked into his class. A retired Marine and Vietnam veteran, Marples submitted drawings of World War II scenes — until Muller asked him a simple question: had he ever drawn from his own experiences in Vietnam?
He hadn't. But he took it as a challenge.
Marples came back with a series of charcoal drawings based on his time in Vietnam, including one depicting a traumatic firefight he called "The Incident." "He got closure to this incident," Muller said. "He had 35 years of nightmares, and it stopped that day when he made the drawing."
That same year, Muller and Marples began discussing an organization to support veteran artists — not as therapy, but as a path to real careers in the fine arts. With the addition of co-founder Dr. Scott Smith, a Marine veteran and artist himself, that conversation became New Century Art Guild, formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2013.
Billy Marples passed away in January 2013, just as the organization he helped imagine became official. His belief that making art could do what nothing else could remains at the core of everything NCAG does.
HOW WE SERVE VETERANS
By fostering new careers, new directions, and new possibilities for artists and veterans.
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Career Guidance
Business Training
VA benefits Navigation
Artist Exhibitions
Veteran Artist Grants
Artist Mentorship
RECREATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Free Creative Workshops
Welcoming Environment
No Experience Required
VA Creative Arts Festival
THERAPEUTIC HEALING
Managing PTSD
Supportive Community
Connecting Artists & Service Members
Resources for Families
PROGRAMMING
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Learn the business side of being a professional artist. From pricing your work to navigating galleries, we provide the training and mentorship veterans need to build sustainable art careers.
WORKSHOPS
Hands-on programs exploring different artistic mediums. No experience required. Connect with fellow veterans, discover new skills, and create in a supportive environment.
EXHIBITIONS
Showcase your work and connect with the community. We provide exhibition opportunities that give veteran artists visibility, recognition, and a platform to share their stories through art.