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Behind Friendly Lines: National Veterans Creative Arts Festival arrives in Denver

By No User May 12, 2024 | updated 1 year ago

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We’ve heard the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Maybe even a few of us have uttered that idiom on occasion. Truth be told, it’s likely used as an excuse — or an escape — when you deem something beautiful, but others don’t.

Beauty — in all its variety, forms and expressions — will be on full display this week in colorful Colorado. Through Friday, more than 130 artists, all veterans, will come from across the nation to the Mile High City to showcase their artistic talent during the 43rd annual National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.

This year’s event is hosted by VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System and jointly presented by VA and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Throughout the week, veterans will participate in workshops, rehearsals and wellness activities in the greater Denver and Aurora areas, including the Art District at Santa Fe, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Denver Sheraton Hotel.

One of the participants is local Air Force veteran Iverson “Ivan” Taylor, known for his soulful guitar playing. “Find something you enjoy, whether it’s art, writing or something else. You don’t have to be great,” advised Taylor. “When I play the guitar or write stories, it’s therapeutic; it taps into my emotions.” But don’t take Ivan’s humility for a lack of talent.

Last fall, the top three finalists in each category at their local VA facility competition advanced to the national level judging. First, second, and third place were determined at the national level. The first-place winners were invited to attend the festival.

Marine Corps veteran Ricky Ransom, a spoken word enthusiast from Dallas, also will be in town for the festival.

“This competition gives me the golden opportunity to use the gift God gave me,” he said. “By participating, I share my testimony with other veterans through spoken word.”

Ransom has his vision set high, taking courses in digital music production, with the hope of recording his content in the future.

Some of you might ask: Why do veterans need an event like this? The answer comes straight from National Veterans Creative Arts Festival director, Amy Kimbler, who I spoke with last week.

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“The Creative Arts Festival is a powerful component of recovery and rehabilitation for our veterans. It allows our veteran participants the opportunity to express themselves in meaningful ways, ultimately leading them on a path towards healing, recovery and fulfillment.”

That recovery is illustrated in Army veteran Ron Clements, who sought help for his PTSD decades after leaving the service. His therapist recommended wood carving, and he went all in, perfecting his craft and even teaching a workshop at a senior citizen center. His masterpiece is a “jewelry box with an attitude,” which earned him Best of Show at VA Salt Lake City’s local Creative Arts Festival competition.

The annual event, which showcases the healing power of creative arts therapies, returns to Denver for the first time since 2005. Veterans and spectators at the Creative Arts Festival will witness the healing power of creativity and expression and celebrate the artistic achievements of our nation’s Veterans.

If you’re interested, there are two free events that are open to the public.

The stage show performance is at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts (June Swaner Gates Concert Hall) on the University of Denver campus. Reserve free tickets for the performances by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/ and search “creative arts festival” in Denver.

The second event, an art and writing exhibition, occurs 4-6 p.m. Friday at the Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. This event does not require registration.

Whether you doodle stick figures on a piece of paper (like me) or you’re a virtuoso who can compose harmonious music, the true beauty in this event is the healing that takes place. Creative art expression allows my brothers and sisters in arms to be in the moment instead of focusing on past military experiences or being anxious about the future. And that therapy is most definitely not in the eye of the beholder.

Thanks for allowing me to walk alongside you behind friendly lines.

Victory!

Jason T. Strickland, MPA, is chief communications officer for the VA Rocky Mountain Network.

Jason T. Strickland, MPA, is chief communications officer for the VA Rocky Mountain Network.

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