On May 7, the Phoenix VA Health Care System and the American Legion Auxiliary held their 20th annual Creative Arts Festival at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. The biggest moment came when the “Heal Her Art Community” mural was unveiled. Fifty-six local women veterans made it together.

The festival itself was a numbers story too. Veterans submitted 143 artworks, and 116 veterans took part. Entries ran across 2D and 3D art, poetry, prose, and performance, with a Best in Show prize. Veterans, staff, and guests voted for their favorites.

David Chavez won Best in Show. Carolyn Jackson took first in 2D art, Courtney Smythe in 3D, John Burns in performance, Gwendolyn Jones Cooks in poetry, and Nicole Castro in prose.

The work comes out of the Recreation Therapy Clinic and fits the VA’s Whole Health approach. Creative Arts Therapist Kristin Garnaat said the staff see “firsthand how creative arts help Veterans process experiences.” Navy veteran Silvia Espinoza had a plain message for anyone unsure about entering: “I encourage other Veterans to submit something, even if you think you’re not good.”

Veterans who want to compete nationally can enroll through their local VA. Registration for the 2027 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival competition opens February 1 and closes March 14, 2027, according to Phoenix VA.

SOURCES

VA Phoenix Health Care, 20th Annual Creative Arts Festival: https://www.va.gov/phoenix-health-care/stories/phoenix-va-hosts-20th-annual-creative-arts-festival-honoring-veteran-creativity-and-healing/