What kind of art do you do? Veteran artwork sought for show, national recognition
We know our Wyoming Veterans are creative... and that's why we want more of you to get national recognition for that art, just like Wyoming Veteran Deb Zelenak.
Each year, the Sheridan VA Health Care System co-hosts a local art competition with the American Legion Auxiliary for Veterans in more than 100 categories in five divisions. These divisions—art, creative writing, dance, drama and music—cover a broad range of categories to appeal to a wide spectrum of interests. This includes areas like woodworking, jewelry, metal work, leather work, ballroom dancing, hip-hop dancing, vocal solo, instrumental, and MUCH more.
Last year, local Veteran Deb Zelenak earned top honors in the Needlework and Fabric Art Kit categories. After the local competition, we then submitted her art to a national review board, along with all the other Veterans who won first place in their categories. Her art was selected to be shown at the National Creative Arts Festival in St. Louis, also co-hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary.
What did that mean for Deb? A weeklong trip to take part in the national festival in St. Louis, which included airfare, accommodations, food and many activities... like a trip to the National Blues Museum, captured in this short video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrB7CERJ2_U/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link The next national festival will be in the spring of 2024 in Denver.
Entries for this year's competition now being accepted!
Deadline is September 1. We need to receive it by this date for our local judging, in order to be considered for the national art submissions. Entries can include any work done within the last year, so Veterans who already have a creative product that meets the requirements of a category are welcome to submit.
Information on each division is available at https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/ --the local and national competition have the same requirements.
Entry forms are downloadable from national site, along with category information, but Veterans who would like to take part may also email Sheridan_Creative_Arts@va.gov (note: there are underscores between words) for the submission form. Performance artists should email requesting information on how they submit their entry. You may also contact Recreation Therapy Supervisor Tami Fleshman at 307-675-3312.