Greater Los Angeles Veterans Receive National Recognition for the Creative Arts

Their creative work was displayed and performed locally, then submitted to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival held in Indianapolis, Indiana. On the national stage, five Veterans from VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) received gold medals to recognize and celebrate their talent, and two Veterans received bronze. 

“We had around 90 participants last year, and it was definitely one of our best years for the amount of gold winners,” said Raylene Armour, Recreational Therapist at VAGLAHS. “I don’t think we’ve ever had that many in one year before.”

Veterans from VAGLAHS took home gold medals at the National Creative Arts Festival in dance, music and creative writing, and bronze medals in dramatic prose and drawing. Participants also competed in a variety of categories for visual arts, performance arts, and crafts. 

However, medals and friendly competition are just some of the many benefits for participants. Veterans can also meet others with similar creative interests. The creative arts also offer Veterans the opportunity to express themselves, showcase their talents, and find physical and mental healing.

According to the 2010 study, “The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature,” by researchers Drs. Heather Stuckey and Jeremy Nobel, "There is evidence that engagement with artistic activities, either as an observer of the creative efforts of others or as an initiator of one's own creative efforts, can enhance one's moods, emotions, and other psychological states as well as have a salient impact on important physiological parameters.”

“I find writing therapeutic, but that’s not the only reason I do it,” said Elaine Little, an Army Veteran, who took first place in creative writing in the personal essay military experience category at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.  “I think it’s a good way to process things and think about them in more depth.”

Little has been writing since her college days and her military experience inspired many of her works. 

“The creative process of shaping a story also helps me express myself and hopefully entertain and inform others,” said Little.

Creative arts therapies also help build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Armour recalls a Veteran who entered the festival with a paint-by-numbers piece and was initially hesitant about his artistic abilities.

"When he saw his art piece on display, he felt so accomplished and his self-esteem got a big boost," Armour says. "You never know how you're going to feel until you try something new. Veterans need to know: don’t be afraid to try something new."

This boost in confidence can have a ripple effect, positively impacting other areas of a Veteran's life. The festival also fosters a sense of community and connection among participants, creating an environment where Veterans can share their stories, support one another, and celebrate their achievements.

"Everyone has their own unique style, and it's amazing to see that celebrated," said Armour. "It's not about the technical skill; it's about the experience, the fun, the camaraderie."

The next Creative Arts Festival at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center will be held July 30 and July 31, and the entry deadline is on July 11. Please reach out to VA West Los Angeles Recreation Therapy for more information or visit www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/events/ to learn more about upcoming events.