VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Local Veterans Embrace Art as Therapy and Showcase Masterpieces
January 27, 2015
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Local Veterans who practice art as a therapy will showcase their art pieces and compete for advancement to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival on Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at VA Long Beach Pantages Theatre.
VA Long Beach Creative Arts Festival and Competition celebrates the progress and recovery made through the expression of art, as well as the creative achievements of Veterans after disease, disability or life crisis.
A local committee will elect first, second and third place winners for each category. Categories include Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Dance, Drama and Music.
As of Jan. 27, Veterans have submitted 50 entries, individually or as a group. Their health care challenges include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mental Health Conditions and Visual Impairment.
“Veterans work their problems and conflicts naturally when practicing Creative Arts,” said Liz Greco, Recreation Therapist. “Self- expression is a powerful healing mechanism – for the body, mind and spirit.”
WHAT: Local Veterans Creative Arts Festival and Competition
WHEN: January 29, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: VA Long Beach Healthcare System Pantages Theatre, building 2, Second Floor
5901 E. Seventh St., Long Beach, CA 90822
RSVP: vhalonevents@va.gov or 562-826-5373
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