Veterans participate in Local Minneapolis VA Creative Arts Competition and Showcase

An Exhibition & Showcase celebrating the creativity of our Veteran community will run Sept. 9-12 at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. 

Categories of the exhibition include visual art, creative writing and performance arts, with most submissions competing in a juried competition. First, second and third place winners in each category will advance to the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition to compete with thousands of Veterans enrolled in VA Health Care Systems across the nation next spring.

“We aim to elevate the Veteran voice as well as showcase the vital role the arts play to enrich the lives of our Veterans while transforming the healthcare experience,” said Ali DeCamillis, art therapist at the Minneapolis VA. “The arts remind us to keep humanity at the core of healthcare.” 

The Minneapolis VA incorporates creative arts therapy into their programs to further the rehabilitation goals for both inpatients and outpatients. This annual competition recognizes the progress and recovery made through that therapy and raises the visibility of the creative achievements of our nation’s Veterans. 

“We want to honor our Veterans unique personal and military contributions by offering them accessible creative arts opportunities that promote self-expression and community connection,” said Lara Hermanson, music therapist at the Minneapolis VA

The Exhibition & Showcase will be open to the public Sept. 9th at noon. Exhibition hours will be daily thorough Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Flag Atrium Auditorium at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, 1 Veterans Dr, Minneapolis. For more information visit Veterans Creative Arts Competition at Minneapolis VA online. 

Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer

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