The Sheridan VA Health System is looking for veterans across the state to submit their artto its Creative Arts Festival for Veterans.
The annual art show will accept a wide variety of artistic work. Sheridan VA Public Affairs Officer Kristina Miller said the festival includes five different divisions: art, creative writing, dance, drama and music. Those have more than 100 categories.
"[The categories] range from the painting type of art to everything from metalwork to leatherwork to performing arts, drama, creative writing like poetry and short stories to music performances," Miller said.
Miller said the festival supports veterans using art for more than just creativity.
"There's stress relief that comes with being creative. There's self-esteem building, a sense of accomplishment, communication and creative thinking. I mean, that plays a humongous role in veterans who may be struggling with connecting to their communities," she said.
Their art will be judged by local art experts, such as Sheridan College professors or gallery owners. The event will also include a competition where division winners who are enrolled with the VA will go on to the national competition
"A few years ago we had an entry from our local level in the quilting category place second in the nation. So we're excited and hopeful because we know there's so much talent here in Wyoming," Miller said.
Veterans who are in the Sheridan VA's coverage area should submit their work by February 24. The art must have been made within the last year. The art show will be at the Sheridan VA on March 3 and is open to the public.
Miller said veterans who are not be able to get their art to Sheridan can ask a local office to help with transport.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Catherine Wheeler, at cwheel11@uwyo.edu.
