VETERANS’ VOICES TAKE CENTER STAGE: WNC CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL

The successful event was organized by the Recreation and Creative Art Therapy Department, enabling Veterans from across the western North Carolina region to share their talent.

This year’s festival featured 59 entries in the creative writing division—nearly 50% more than in 2024! The art division saw 86 entries, while the music and drama divisions received two and three entries respectively. In total, there were 150 submissions.

“It’s a gift to our community as these Veterans share their vulnerability, diverse creativity and parts of their evolving stories with us,” said Rebekah Wiggins, an art therapist. “There is power and healing in the creative process and that’s something to celebrate.”

At the heart of this year’s success was the motivation and personal stories of the participating Veterans.

For example, Veteran Gerald N. Oberton transformed spare wood into a striking Spinosaurus woodwork inspired by a television broadcast that sparked his imagination.

Veteran Roseanna June Coates shaped a sculpture, ‘I am a Woman, I am a Veteran’, dedicated to the diversity of women who serve, emphasizing that their contributions span all ages and backgrounds.

A collage created by Veteran Emiliano Enea illustrated how his military experiences shaped him into the person he is today, offering a visual journey through service and transformation.

Veteran Gregory Bias, inspired by the natural world, shared his photography to bring the beauty of the wilderness to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it.

Meanwhile, Veteran Darlene Tutton captured the image of a sunset that resonated deeply with a meaningful phase in her life, blending artistry with reflection.

Veteran Michelle M. Bretz created a giant quilt, ‘Helene Navy Survival Skills’, as a remembrance of Hurricane Helene, thoughtfully selecting patriotic colors to symbolize service and sacrifice.

These are just a few examples of the inspiration behind each creative expression. During the festival, many Veterans stood proudly beside their artwork, sharing with attendees the personal stories and emotions that shaped their creations. A Veteran even recounted how he missed the bus that morning but found another way to the festival, saying he wouldn’t miss the event for “anything”.

The Creative Arts Festival is part of a nationwide program recognizing the therapeutic value of the arts in supporting Veterans’ health and well-being. Winners from local competitions, such as the one hosted at Charles George VA Medical Center, have the opportunity to advance to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, where they join peers from across the country in showcasing their work.

This story was also featured in the Guardians Magazine