The Marion VA is calling for submissions for the 4th Annual Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Get your creative work ready for submission.
The festival will take place on August 23rd beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Celebrations Event Center in Marion, Illinois, and will provide a platform for veterans of all eras to showcase their work and compete in the areas of applied arts, music, dance and creative writing.
Last year we were inspired by the quality of talent in our veteran community. We discovered remarkable talents like Dave Wall, who wrote a compelling short story that earned him 1st place in the category. We also admired the skills of veteran Eric McCormack, whose glass artwork “Portals” received 3rd place in the Applied Arts category, among other awards.
The festival will be held at the Celebrations Event Center in Marion, Illinois. Veterans do not need to be present to participate. If they are not attending the event, they can submit their entries online at Midnight on August 21st.
“The arts are an essential part of every human being’s existence as we all need some form of self-expression to try to understand, participate in and appreciate all the complexities of the human condition. From cuddling to carnage, veterans in particular have seen and felt this spectrum and the arts create this opportunity to appreciate the gift of life or help find catharsis by processing those moments we were wanted or not granted and finding some sort of closure.” -Ethan Blumhorst
We invite all veterans to express and share their artistic vision. Up to three works can be submitted in each category, but they must fall into different categories within that category. Whether you are an experienced artist or a beginner, there is a category for you at our festival. Remember, the first step is the beginning, so choose your medium, practice your craft, or craft your story. Your art could be the next work that inspires us all, and you could continue to hone your skills through various creative arts programs offered here at the VA and in the community.
The Creative Arts Festival is a local competition in art, creative writing, dance, theater and music for veterans enrolled in the Marion VA Health Care System. First place winners advance to the national judging level and first place winners in their respective fields are invited to compete in the National Veteran Creative Arts Festival, the website for which can be found with information below.
If you have any questions about submissions or categories, please contact Recreational Therapist Ethan Blumhorst at [email protected]. All online submissions must be made by midnight on August 21.
