Support The Western Slope Veterans Arts Festival

The 20th Anniversary Western Slope Veterans Creative Arts Festival is this weekend at the Mesa County Libraries Central Library.

According to Department of Veterans Affairs, VA facilities use the creative arts as a form of rehabilitative treatment to help Veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. Across the country each year, Veterans enrolled at VA health care facilities compete in a local creative arts competition. The competition includes 51 categories in the visual arts division this year that range from oil painting to leatherwork to paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 100 categories in the performing arts pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, drama and creative writing.

The local activities this Saturday 12-4p.m. at The Central Library include a community forum and celebration. Local National Medalists from 2015 and 2016 will display and discuss their award-winning art. U.S. Marine and National Geographic photographer Donna Fullerton will present her photographs. Veterans will present one-act plays and share their musical talents.

This Sunday from 1-3p.m.activities include a Dr. Seuss Read-a-Thon, tables for children to make and take patriotic art and Dr. Seuss art, and a table for anyone to create valentines for local hospitalized veterans and active-duty military.

The event this weekend is FREE and open to the public. Please take a few minutes to stop in and support our local veterans at this very special 20th-anniversary event.