WASHINGTON – Veterans from across the country who have been selected first place winners in national music, dance, drama or art contests will be in Minneapolis, Minn., October 21-27, for the 2002 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. The Festival is the culmination of a year-long fine arts talent competition open to all veterans receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.
“The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival puts a spotlight on the talents and creative achievements of America’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “As part of VA’s extensive recreational therapy and rehabilitation programs, the arts provide a therapeutic way for veterans to heal, both physically and emotionally. The creative talents of these veterans are a joy to behold.”
These talented veterans, selected from nearly 3,000 participants, will be in Minneapolis for a week of rehearsals and workshops concluding on Sunday, October 27, with a gala variety stage show and art exhibit at the Ted Mann Concert Hall on the University of Minnesota campus.
The music, drama and dance performers will showcase their talent in the stage show backed by a professional orchestra beginning at 2:00 p.m. Renowned actress of Hollywood’s golden era, Jane Powell, will emcee the show. The artists will exhibit their work in the lobby of the Ted Mann Concert Hall immediately following the stage show.
Film actress Bo Derek, honorary chairperson for VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events, will be in Minneapolis the week of the Festival to visit with the veterans and help lead the applause in their honor.
The Festival is sponsored by VA and two co-sponsors, the American Legion Auxiliary and Help Hospitalized Veterans. It is hosted this year by the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
For further information about the Festival, contact Kim Byers, Public Affairs Coordinator for the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, at (734) 761-7824, or log on to the Festival’s website: http://www.va.gov/vetevent/caf/2002.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
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