National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Wisconsin Showcases Veterans’ Artistic Talents

Washington, DC – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces that the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee is hosting more than 100 Veterans from across the country for the 2014 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival; the event began Oct. 27 and will end Nov. 2.

The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival event will feature the gold medal-winning entries from 53 categories of art, ranging from oil painting to leatherwork to fiber art in an exhibit at the Grand Rotunda of the Milwaukee Theatre on Sunday, November 2 from noon to 2 p.m.  Tickets are free but must be reserved by contacting 414-389-4099. The performance is also open to media.

The weeklong Festival, presented by VA and the American Legion Auxiliary showcases the artistic achievements of Veterans from across the country that placed first in national art, music, dance, drama and creative writing division competitions. The Veterans are participating in workshops, rehearsals and artistic interaction sessions, culminating in Sunday’s art exhibit and stage show performance, open to the public.

Among many other therapeutic benefits, the Festival encourages artistic expression to help Veterans dealing with PTSD and other psychological issues.  More than 3,500 Veterans participate nationally in regional competitions which culminate in the annual national event.

“The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is another example of how VA is committed to utilizing a full spectrum of health care options,” said VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “From traditional medicine to cutting edge treatments, we will continue to use a holistic approach to treat our nation’s Veterans.”

The Festival relies heavily on the outstanding support provided by numerous American Legion Auxiliary volunteers. For more information, visit www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov.

Media interested in covering the event can call Jordan Schupbach at (202) 664-3733.

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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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