Veterans Create Art in Loma Linda

The National Veterans’ Creative Arts Festival held annually on the third Thursday of every February took place on Feb. 18, at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center. DAR member Julie R. Evans, Scott Krohne, Rudy Ramirez, Ada Jarvis, and Linda Williamson, were the local community artist volunteer judges for this unique show consisting entirely of artwork by U.S. veterans. The artwork was judged based on creativity/originality, skill and execution, and overall presentation. There were 51 artwork pieces (some completed using art supplies donated for veterans’ programs) competing during this one-day art show. There were 28 separate categories of art represented in this show, ranging from bead work, stone polishing, woodwork, model building, ceramics, dream catchers, leather work, photography, drawing, pastels, acrylics, watercolor, oils, and more. Best in Show went to Richard Waggoner for an original wood carving of a whimsical “Tower House” from an avocado branch. The first place award for every category in each local level competition (about 130 facilities participate) will move forward to be judged by a panel in June that will pick the top three in the nation in each of the 51 categories designated. Those first place winners will then move forward again to compete nationally for a gold, silver, or bronze medal award on Oct. 10-16, 2016, at the G. B. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, in Jackson, Mississippi. At that time a booklet will be created that showcases the artistic achievements of the veterans from across the country. This art show is combined with four other creative arts therapies for veterans—music, dance, drama, and creative writing. Craft Care Specialist Richard Burke, COTA, who has organized this event for the past ten years has seen the benefits it offers to veterans. "I really enjoy this because I see people change. They'll have this small project and pride in what they did," said Burke. "This works as a way for Veterans who usually would be at home to get out their homes. It allows them to sit and talk to each other, and build camaraderie." To donate art kits, supplies, or your time to teach arts and crafts at the VA, contact Burke, COTA, at (909) 235-8831.