WASHINGTON – More than 100 veterans from across the country who are medal winners in national creative writing, music, dance, drama or arts contests are preparing to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Denver October 17-23.
"The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to healing beyond just physical rehabilitation," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival provides an artistic channel for our nation’s heroes to recover physically, mentally and emotionally."
The Creative Arts Festival, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the American Legion Auxiliary and Help Hospitalized Veterans, is the culmination of a year-long fine arts talent competition involving 3,000 participants nationwide. The festival is open to all veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities. It is hosted this year by the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Denver.
These talented veterans will come to Denver for a week of rehearsals and workshops, concluding on Sunday, October 23, with a visual art exhibit and gala variety stage show at the Gates Concert Hall, located in the NewmanCenter for the Performing Arts on the University of Denver campus.
The artists will exhibit their work from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on October 23 in Gates Concert Hall. At 2:00 p.m., performers in music, drama and dance will showcase their talent in a stage show, backed by a professional orchestra. Renowned actress of Hollywood’s golden era, Jane Powell, will be the mistress of ceremonies for the show.
Secretary Nicholson will attend to visit with veterans and to see the stage show. Actress Bo Derek, Honorary Chairperson of VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events, is also expected to attend the festival again this year.
Rick Crandall of Denver’s KEZW radio station will be the keynote speaker at the festival’s opening ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 17. In addition, up-and-coming country music star Ty Nelson will perform for the veterans during the opening ceremony.
For further information about the festival, contact Kim Byers, public affairs coordinator, at (734) 761-7824, or log on to the festival’s Web site: www.creativeartsfestival.org. During the festival, call (303) 336-5310.
