Vets Reveal Creative Talents in Fayette, Ark.
Creative Festival Set for Oct. 17-23
WASHINGTON – More than 100 talented Veterans from across the Nation will attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Fayetteville, Ark., Oct. 17 – 23, showcasing their winning entries in art, music, dance, drama and creative writing.
“The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is a showcase for the talents that America’s Veterans possess and their will to surmount significant health challenges,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “This annual festival highlights the wonderful work that is accomplished throughout the year in VA’s creative arts therapy programs and local competitions across the Nation.”
The Creative Arts Festival is the culmination of a year-long fine arts competition involving more than 3,000 participants Nationwide. It is presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) and Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV).
The festival, one of VA’s six national rehabilitation events, is open to all Veterans receiving care at any VA medical facility. This year, the festival is hosted by the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Ark.
“Our mission is to serve Veterans, active duty military and their families. We are proud to be a sponsor of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival which is a program that makes a difference in the lives of Veterans every day,” said ALA’s National President Kris Nelson. “I am looking forward to spending the week with these true American heroes!”
“As a long-time national co-presenter of this annual event, we again look forward to a program that inspires all who witness the shining talents of America’s Veterans, who remain motivated regardless of their health challenges,” said Mike Lynch, HHV’s President and CEO.
The event concludes with a live art exhibition and gala stage show at the Walton Arts Center, beginning at 12:30 p.m., on Oct. 23. Country Music star Michael Peterson is attending the Creative Arts Festival this year and will again serve as Master of Ceremonies for the stage show production as well as the Opening Ceremonies.
For more information, log on to the festival’s Web site: www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov. For ticket information, please call (479) 444-4064.
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Media Inquiries:
Anthony Hardman, Public Affairs Specialist (734) 845-2129###
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.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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