WASHINGTON, D.C. — Veterans from across the country, all selected national winners in music, dance, drama or art contests, will arrive in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 15 for the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. The festival is the culmination of a year-long fine arts talent competition open to all veterans receiving medical treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities across the country.
These talented veterans, selected from nearly 3,000 entries, are in Washington for a week of rehearsals and workshops concluding on Saturday, Oct. 21, with a gala variety stage show and art exhibit at DAR Constitution Hall. The music, drama and dance winners will perform in a stage show backed by a professional orchestra beginning at 2:00 p.m. Renowned actors of Hollywoods golden era, Jane Powell and Ernest Borgnine, will emcee the show. The artists will exhibit their work in the lobby of Constitution Hall immediately following the stage show.
“In VA hospitals, we have learned that healing does not mean taking care of just the physical needs of a patient. It requires treating the ‘whole’ person,” said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Hershel W. Gober. “Patients in VA medical facilities across the country benefit from creative arts therapy in their recovery and rehabilitation. This magnificent show celebrates both the talents and accomplishments of the participants.”
The festival is sponsored by VA with the help of this year’s co-sponsor, Help
Hospitalized Veterans, and national host sponsors, the American Legion Auxiliary and Non Commissioned Officers Association. It is hosted this year by the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center. The festival is an official millennium event produced in partnership with the White House Millennium Council.
The public is invited to attend the gala performance and art show. Admission is free; however, tickets are required. For ticket information, call (202) 745-8322.
For further information contact: Roxanne Fischetti, VA Special Events Coordinator, (202) 273-5736; Laura Edwards, VA Public Affairs, (202) 273-5744; or Karen Fedele, VA Medical Center Public Affairs, 202-745-8209
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
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