VA Boston Healthcare System
Local Veteran's Share Their Stories Through Art
A colored drawing by Veteran William H takes "First Place" in category at VA Boston's Local Veterans Creative Arts Festival
“The Village” by combat Veteran William H. represents one example of the many creative art entries at the VA Boston Healthcare System Local Creative Arts Festival Competition on Tuesday.
A panel of local judges gathered at the Brockton campus and viewed each submission with their keen art eye and decided which pieces—in the 23 categories—would make it to the to the national selection committee.
The national selection committee chooses first, second and third place winners from all the national entries. Select winners are then invited to attend the coveted National Veterans Creative Arts Festival which will be held in Boston from October 8 to the 14th this year.
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a Veteran’s personal physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The creative process involved in expressing one’s self can help Veterans resolve issues as well as develop and manage their behaviors and feelings, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and awareness. Veterans don’t need formal training, or to be an acclaimed artist, VA BHS has professionals to work with the Veterans to delve into the underlying messages communicated through their art.
Holly Corrente, creative arts therapist and creative arts festival visual arts coordinator at VA BHS, says her favorite part of the production process is collecting the art entries and getting to know the Veteran behind the piece.
Corrente heard Veteran Peter D.’s name around regarding his artistic talent, but didn’t actually meet him until he entered his piece into the competition.
“Peter D. lost both his arms while serving in Iraq in 2003, but this doesn’t prevent him from exploring the art world and expanding on his skills.
The judges chose Peter D’s piece entry Best in Show in 2012.
William H.’s colored drawing was one of many entries chosen for submission to the national committee.
William H. began experimenting with colors and drawing on napkins in restaurants. He used pens and markers, and combined different layers to create new colors. He recalls many times when servers held onto his napkins.
“I’m a combat Veteran. I have a lot of bad memories and it (art) helps,” said William H.
This activity helped William develop his talent in colored drawings.
He admits working with pens and markers can be challenging.
“It’s not easy, it can run, but I have learned how to control it a lot,” William H. said.
Visitors were impressed with the Veterans’ talents and surprised at the variety of creative art displayed.
“I just thought it was amazing. I was really impressed with the quality of work,” Jocelyn Hand, VA BHS’s Horticultural Therapist and competition visitor, said. “It was excellent. There was so much talent there.
I was proud of the Veterans. I worked with some of them and didn’t know these artistic talents,” Hand said. “It was a very high quality exhibit. It was uplifting and fun. I was glad to be there.”
To learn more about the creative arts festival, and to read individual stories, watch videos and view the art gallery from the 2011 festival, visit the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival webpage.
