Ms. Karen E. Lara, poses with her award-winning photo at her work area at the VA Harlingen Outpatient Clinic, Jan. 30, 2018. Ms. Lara won a silver medal in 2017 at the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition for her entry entitle “Cat Eyes” in the category of black and white photography. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo/Luis H. Loza Gutierrez)

National Veterans Creative Arts Competition underway:

Local VA taking art submissions now

 

HARLINGEN, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in partnership with the American Legion Auxiliary are presenting the 2018 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition, and Veterans enrolled in the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) can submit their works of art to the competition.

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. First, second and third place entries in each category will be determined through a national judging process.

Like most VA facilities, VATVCBHCS will hold its own local competition, and the first-place entries will then be submitted to the national-level. Only Veterans who are enrolled as patients in Texas VA Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will be able to compete. All original works must be submitted by no later than close of business (4:30 p.m.) Feb. 23, 2018. Additionally, all submissions must have been completed after April 1, 2017 in order to be eligible.

Veterans must work with a staff member from the VA facility where they are enrolled in order to take part in the competition. Dr. Lisa Troupe Wallace and Ms. Karen E. Lara are the two staff members from VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System serving as coordinator for this year’s National Arts Competition at the local level.

“I think the arts are an excellent way to help with some of the challenges one may face in life,” said Ms. Karen E. Lara, who is very familiar with the competition having won a silver medal in 2017 at the national-level for her entry entitle, “Cat Eyes,” in the category of black and white photography. “The arts have great therapeutic value especially for Veterans managing mental health issues. Having an artistic outlet allows a person to express his or her thoughts and emotions in a constructive manner and form.”

Ms. Karen E. Lara, holds in her hands the silver medal she won during the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition in 2017. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo/Luis H. Loza Gutierrez)

Ms. Lara, who is a retired Navy photographer and VA employee encourages VATVCBHCS patients and employees enrolled in the local health care system to compete, but to keep the following in mind.

Only one entry per category with a limited of three entries total will be allowed per person. No music, drama or dance categories will be taking place locally, only fine art, applied arts and kits will be accepted.

Veterans interested in participating in the competition can contact Dr. Wallace and Ms. Lara at the numbers below:

Dr. Lisa Wallace                      956-254-3805

Ms. Karen E. Lara                    956-366-4500, Extension: 67721

To request a 2018 Competition Handbook, contact Ms. Lara, or use the links provided below.

 2018 Competition Rules and Categories:

Competition & Festival Rules Art Division Rules & Categories Creative Writing Division Rules & Categories Dance Division Rules & Categories Drama Division Rules & Categories Music Division Rules & Categories