Veterans to share creative talents at maryland state fair | va maryland health care | veterans affairs

The VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) Veterans Creative Arts Showcase will take place this year at the Maryland State Fair on Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each year

across the nation, VA partners with the American Legion Auxiliary to host a Creative Arts Competition and Festival that showcases and celebrates the value of the creative arts and creative

arts therapy in the health, wellness and rehabilitation of our nation’s Veterans.  Veterans first compete locally, and local winners move on to compete nationally. The VAMHCS received more

than 70 entries this year in divisions that include arts, creative writing, drama, dance and music. The showcase, where Veterans’ creativity is displayed and winners are announced, was

previously held at a VA medical center or, most recently, virtually. This year is the first time it will be held at a public event. The Maryland State Fair boasts half a million visitors

each year. “This is an exciting opportunity for Veterans to share their creative works with not only other Veterans, but the community at large, ” said Kelsey Eisenhauer, VAMHCS creative

arts therapist and coordinator of the VAMHCS Veterans Creative Arts Competition. “Our Veterans are looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of the fair and to speak about their work

and its importance in their lives.” Veterans’ artwork will be on display in the 4-H/FFA Home Arts Building for the duration of the fair, which runs weekends August 25 to September 11. For

the showcase on Saturday, September 10, Veterans will be available to talk about their work and the value of creative arts therapy, a live stage show will include Veterans’ performances and

readings, and an Awards Ceremony at noon will announce this year’s competition winners.