Celebrating veteran creativity at the local creative arts competition awards ceremony | va jackson health care | veterans affairs

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the Local Creative Arts Competition Awards Ceremony honored the extraordinary talents of Veterans who participated in this year’s event, highlighting their

creativity across various art forms. This annual competition, held at VA medical facilities nationwide, is part of a larger initiative that incorporates the arts into therapy for both

inpatients and outpatients, aiding in their rehabilitation and celebrating their progress. The competition spans multiple categories, from visual arts like oil painting and beadwork to

writing and performing arts, such as dance, drama, and music. Veterans who place in these categories have their work entered into a national judging process, with the chance to showcase

their creations at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.  MUSIC DIVISION SHINES WITH EMOTION AND TALENT The ceremony began with the Music Division, setting the stage for an emotional

and reflective evening. Veteran ANTHONY FORD was recognized in the Special Recognition category for his original song, “Will I Ever Be the Same?” The song, which earned him first place,

resonated deeply with attendees for its powerful lyrics and heartfelt message. ALBERT MOORHEAD also took the spotlight, winning first place in the Spiritual Solo category for his moving

rendition of “Someone Bigger than You and I,” capturing the audience with his soulful performance. VETERANS EXPRESS THEIR STORIES THROUGH CREATIVE WRITING The Creative Writing Division

brought forward a diverse array of voices, each telling a unique and personal story. In the Personal Essay (Inspirational) category, JERRY JONES secured first place with his

thought-provoking piece, “Mississippi Flag,” a reflection on identity, change, and heritage. TARA RIVERS, a standout in multiple categories, won first place in Personal Essay (Military

Experience) for her evocative work “Sleepless: The Invisible Scar,” detailing her personal struggles with the unseen impacts of military service. The poetry categories were equally powerful,

with WYVONNA E. KETTLEY earning first place in Rhyming Poetry (Inspirational) for her piece “Mind, Body, and Soul.” In Rhyming Poetry (Military Experience), THADDIS HOLMES took the top

prize with his work “Make A Choice,” exploring the difficult decisions faced by those in uniform. ARTISTIC MASTERY IN THE VISUAL ARTS DIVISION The Art Division was a showcase of Veteran

creativity across a variety of mediums. DONALD HOLMES emerged victorious in the Beadwork category with his intricately designed earrings, while DIANNE CROWSON’s “Jubilee in Pearls” won first

place in Jewelry. The Woodworking category saw ALEXANDER MORGAN take first place for his Afrocentric Tribal Totem Staff, a piece rich in cultural significance. In Sculpture, JAMES BOSWELL’s

poignant piece “Inside-Out Depression” earned first place for its raw and emotional portrayal of mental health struggles, while VICKIE HOLMES’s “Jack Holmes” secured second place. The

painting categories were filled with vibrant talent. In Acrylic Painting, TERRY TURMAN’s “Old All Stars” took first place, followed by “Olympic Sunset” by TOMMY HARMON in second. In the Oil

Painting category, a rare tie occurred with “A Call from the Past” by Turman and “Invitation to Schizophrenia” by WAGNER CHRISTOPHER both taking first place. HONORING THE BEST IN SHOW The

ceremony concluded with the highly anticipated Best in Show awards, which celebrated the top performances and works across divisions. In the Music Division, ANTHONY FORD's song “Will I

Ever Be the Same?” earned him this prestigious title for its EMOTIONAL depth and melodic strength. In the Art Division, “Old Blue Eyes” by LORENZO Miller, a stunning pastel portrait, took

Best in Show, while JERRY JONES’s “Mississippi Flag” claimed the top honor in the Creative Writing Division. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NATIONAL STAGE For the Veterans who placed first in their

categories, the journey doesn’t end here. Their winning entries will advance to the national level, where they will compete with other top works from VA facilities across the country. The

ultimate reward is the chance to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, where their work will be celebrated in a grand exhibition and stage performance. The Local Creative Arts

Competition Awards Ceremony is not just a celebration of artistic talent but also a testament to the healing power of the arts in the lives of Veterans. It highlights their courage,

creativity, and resilience, offering a moment for them to shine and be recognized for their hard work and artistic achievements.