National Veterans Creative Arts Festival 2005

A Daily Publication
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday • Saturday • Sunday • Special Edition

What:
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) is the celebration and grand finale stage and art show which is the culmination of talent competitions in music, drama, dance, creative writing, and art for veterans treated in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national health care system.

Who:
Approximately 130 veterans will exhibit their artwork or perform musical, dance, dramatic or original writing selections in a gala variety show. A professional orchestra will accompany the performance. All veterans invited to participate are selected winners of year-long, national fine arts talent competitions in which thousands of veterans enter, from VA medical facilities across the nation.

Where:
Gala Performance and Art Exhibit:
Gates Concert Hall Newman Center for the Performing Arts University of Denver

When:
Festival: October 17-23, 2005
Art Exhibit: Sunday, October 23, 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Gala Performance: Sunday, October 23, 2:00 p.m.

Why:
VA medical facilities incorporate creative arts into their recreation therapy programs. This annual competition recognizes the progress and recovery made through that therapy, and raises the visibility of the creative achievements of our nation’s veterans after disease, disability or life crisis.

Sponsors:
Department of Veterans Affairs, American Legion Auxiliary, and Help Hospitalized Veterans.

Host:
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, Colorado Contact: Donna Lonergan, Host Site Coordinator (303) 370-7520

Admission:
Free! The public is invited with an admission ticket.

Media Contacts:
Kim Byers, VA Public Affairs, NVCAF, (734) 761-7824
Jeff Luginbuel, Public Affairs, VA Denver Distribution Center (303) 914-5155...