If you are a Veteran with creative talent in music, dance, acting, writing or visual arts like painting, photography, crafts or sculpture, the call is out for you!  If you are enrolled at a VA medical center, out-patient clinic or state Veterans home, you are welcome to participate in the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition.   I have been submitting entries in the Drama and Creative Writing categories since 2004.  It has changed my life.  This last year my son, also a Veteran, joined me in an entry and I know it has changed his life as well.

You can start by seeking more information on the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival website. Next, find the staff contact person who assists Veterans with entering the competition at your local VA facility and chat about your talent and how they can help you with your entry.  It’s time to express yourself and you have a place to do it.  You have been given a talent, now let others see it.  But please act fast as many VA’s will hold their local competitions in February.

Over the years, I have met so many fine people associated with this event, both in the Southern California area where I reside and also at the Festivals when I have been invited to participate.  I have seen places and things I would not have seen on my own.  I have met and talked with so many Veterans who inspired me and made me thankful for the abilities I have.

I say dust off that talent and shine it up for the Creative Arts Competition!  I hope to be a part of this event again and again.  When one year ends, I am already thinking of my next projects for the following year.  It keeps me healthy and happy.  If you take this step, I wish you the best of luck.

Mike McCann is a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era.

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5 Comments

  1. John Wilcox May 9, 2012 at 12:19

    Just wanted to update that the link works most of the time. The VA page (and the whole site) have been having issues and will time out periodically. If that happens try reloading or come back later and check.

  2. Daphne Wright January 26, 2012 at 14:04

    I participated in the Creative Arts Festival last year at the Greater Los Angeles VA and won in the Solo Drama Category and I plan on competing again. It was alot of fun.

  3. Alana Findling January 25, 2012 at 11:04

    I am a veteran interested in the creative arts festival but when I tried to access the link, it kept on saying page mot found.

    • Kate Hoit January 26, 2012 at 17:22

      Alana,

      I just updated the link. It should work now! Sorry about that.

  4. Ann January 24, 2012 at 19:43

    Please send me specific info about to enroll in the festival. I am not finding it . Ann

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