Veterans Creative Arts Festival: A Showcase of Artistic Expression

The festival takes place beginning at 10:00 on August 23rd at Celebrations Event Center in Marion, Illinois, and offers a platform for veterans of any era to showcase their work and compete in applied arts, music, dance, and creative writing.

Last year, we were inspired by the quality of talent within our Veteran community. We discovered remarkable talents like Dave Wall, who wrote a captivating short story that earned him the 1st place award in that category. We also admired the skill of Veteran Eric McCormack, whose glasswork piece “Portals” received 3rd Place in Applied Art category among others.

The festival will be held at the Celebrations Event Center in Marion, Illinois. Veterans do not have to be present to participate, if not attending the event entries may be submitted online by midnight on August 21st.

“The arts are a vital part of everyone’s existence, as we all need some form of self-expression to try and understand, share in, and cherish all the complexities of the human condition. From cuddles to carnage, Veterans especially have seen and felt that spectrum, and the arts creates that outlet to cherish the gift of life, or to help find catharsis from those moments which have eluded us willingly or not some form of closure.” -Ethan Blumhorst

We invite all Veterans to express and share their artistic vision. Up to three pieces may be submitted within each division, but they must be in different categories of the specific division. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a novice, there’s a category for you at our festival. Remember, the first step is to begin. So, choose your medium, practice your craft, or draft your story. Your art could be the next work that inspires us all, and you could continue to hone your skills through different creative arts programming provided here at the VA and within the community. 

The Creative Arts Festival is a local competition in art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music for Veterans enrolled with the Marion VA Health Care System. First-place winners advance to the national level of judging and those receiving first in their respective areas are invited to participate at the National Veteran Creative Arts Festival whose website with information is below.

https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/

For any questions involving submissions or categories, please contact Recreation Therapist Ethan Blumhorst at ethan.blumhorst@va.gov. All online submissions must be made by midnight on August 21st.