We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve Dilley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As an artist it my belief in a profound understanding and acceptance that I had a artistic responsibility to help people in my community. From this deep commitment I started talking about helping Veterans after their service. From this simple idea VETART has grown beyond my wildest dreams.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a socially engaged artist I work with people. I work to create the arena to assist them to find their potential to lead full and complete creative lives. This commitment to creativity in community was demonstrated to me by a Mentor name Richard White. Richard gave much away so that others would become empowered. I work in his shadow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My wife and myself moved to Leucadia and bought a mobile home in 95. From that start I would always share the ocean, our beaches and weather we enjoy here in San Diego. Favorite afternoon place is the Self Realization Gardens on K street. From there a jaunt to Mexico is only about 40 minutes away. My wife and family have traveled all over Mexico over the years and pending time in the Valle de Guadalupe continues to fascinate us. Seafood in Ensenada is amazing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Alfred Ventura, close friend and mentor. Anthony Lobue, Artist, mentor and Veteran. My friend who continues to support this program as an anonymous donor. Michelle Horsley my savvy and sophisticated partner. My son Austin Dilley. John Farmer whose book Mountains beyond Mountains showed what is possible to help people. My parents Lawrence T. Dilley and Joanne B. Dilley who were Navy Veterans who allowed me all the freedom a young man could stand.

Website: www.vetart.org FACEBOOK @vetart.org INSTAGRAM @vetartorg

Instagram: @vetartorg

Linkedin: @vetart.org

Twitter: @vetarts

Facebook: @vettart.org

Youtube: @vetartteam1727

Image Credits
All images courtesy of VETART>ORG

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