VA Central California Health Care System

Navy Veteran and VA Employee Terence Tuite displays his Best of Show– “Band Saw Box”

Nationwide, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities use the creative arts as a form of rehabilitative treatment to help Veterans recover from disease, disability or life crisis.

This year’s 2015 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition kicked off on January 1st and raises the visibility of the creative achievements of our Nation’s Veterans.

 

VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) salutes our Valley Veterans for their outstanding display of artistry and craftsmanship at the 2015 local phase of the national competition, which was held onsite at our Community Living Center (CLC) on Feb. 25.

 

Toni Lopez, VACCHCS Recreation Therapist coordinates the annual local exhibit to showcase the artistic talents of Valley Veterans. Veterans enrolled at the VA medical facility or outpatient clinics are invited to enter their art, music, dance, drama and creative writing entries into the local competition phase. Community artists selected the winning pieces to be featured at the upcoming National Veterans Creative Arts Festival on October 18, 2015 in Chapel Hill, NC.

 

This year’s show highlighted the talents of 31 Veterans, culminating with 22 first place winners out of 57 entries. Congratulations to all participants, in particular, Terence Tuite, a Navy Veteran and VACCHCS physical therapist, for his Best of Show winning piece named “Band Saw Box” and overall display inclusive of two handcrafted archery bows and a cigar humidor. “This craft is not easy nor is it fast, but it is something that I enjoy doing – expressing myself through my art,” remarked Tuite.

 

Veterans interested in the Creative Arts Program may contact the Recreation Therapy Program at 559-225-6100, ext. 5730.