by HHV.org
The Festival is a culmination of two separate competitions – “Vet Arts” created in 1981 at the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia and a performing arts competition held at the Waco, Texas VA Medical Center, later to be called the “National Music Competition.” The two finally merged in 1989 to create the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival of today which continues to evolve; in 2005 creative writing was added to the arts division.
Through the Festival, veterans are given the opportunity to participate in creative self-expression as part of the overall recovery. It also serves as a platform for recognition of their achievements in arts & crafts, music, dance and drama, while raising awareness that creative expression while receiving treatment for disease, disability or life crisis can be tremendously therapeutic.
Many wounds, obscure or not, can be successfully treated through participation in the arts. There are hundreds of different kits supplied by Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), including leather items, suncatchers, paint-by-numbers, latch-hook rugs, poster art, plastic and wood models/crafts, and many more. The kits are rehabilitative devices designed to restore coordination and impaired motor skills, improve attention spans and concentration, and relax frayed nerves. They are also used as diversion therapy and entertainment outlet for those veterans who are facing extended hospitalization. HHV is the nation’s largest supplier of therapeutic arts and crafts kits used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and military hospitals, and furnishes products to homebound veterans as well. All products are provided free of charge.
More proof and positives, that crafts can inspire healing and well being.
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