Skip to Content

Veterans from Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center Shine at National Art Competition

National Veterans Creative Arts Competition logo with multicolored star.

By Dole VA Office of Communication Services

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its Veteran artists who placed at the prestigious 2025 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF).

This annual competition, co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Auxiliary, recognizes the creative talents of Veterans across the nation and promotes therapeutic healing through the arts.

This year, over 7,000 entries were submitted by nearly 4,500 Veterans associated with 124 VA facilities. Among the many impressive submissions, three Veterans from the Dole VA Medical Center earned national accolades.

Paula Zielke won first place in both the Fiber Arts Pattern and Needlework Kit categories with her pieces “Ready to Go!” and “Dee Ceased Collage Quilt Kit,” respectively. Craig Fisher secured a second-place award in Drama for his comedic prose “I’m Not Done Yet,” while Frank L. Ritter Jr. received a third-place honor in Metal Work for his creation “Rebirth.”

Christina Vasquez, Veteran Art Show Coordinator at Dole VA, praised the winners and all local participants for their exceptional contributions. “This is wonderful news, and it’s a reflection of the dedication and talents of the Veteran community,” Vasquez remarked. “Their work deserves to be recognized and celebrated!”

Nationwide, VA employs the creative arts as a vital part of Veterans' rehabilitation programs. The NVCAF highlights the progress and recovery facilitated by creative expression, showcasing the artistic achievements of Veterans. Veterans who win first place nationally are invited to attend the festival, which will be held in June this year in Columbia, SC.

Dole VA Medical Center is proud of its Veteran artists and their achievements. Of the 150+ entries received at the 2025 Annual Dole VA Veteran Art Show ranging from visual arts to performing arts, approximately 90 of those were competitive, of which 49 placed locally and competed for NVCAF.  The medical center continues to foster a supportive environment for artistic expression. This success is a testament to the power of creativity in healing and the incredible talent within the Veteran community.