The art of warriors: Sheridan VA art competition

Each year, the Sheridan VA Health Care System co-hosts a local art competition with the American Legion Auxiliary for veterans in more than 100 categories in five divisions. These divisions—art, creative writing, dance, drama and music—cover a broad range of categories to appeal to a wide spectrum of interests. This includes areas such as woodworking, jewelry, metal work, leather work, ballroom dancing, hip-hop dancing, vocal solo, instrumental, and much more. 

According to the VA, last year, Deb Zelenak, a local veteran, earned top honors in the Needlework and Fabric Art Kit categories. After the local competition, the VA submitted her art to a national review board, along with other veterans who had won first place in their categories. Zelenak’s art was selected to be shown at the National Creative Arts Festival in St. Louis, also co-hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. 

The VA reports that Zelenak received a weeklong trip to take part in the national festival in St. Louis, which included airfare, accommodations, food and a trip to the National Blues Museum. The next national festival will be in the spring of 2024 in Denver.

Entries for this year are now being accepted. Participants should remember two deadlines:

Submitting entries by June 23, will give veterans an opportunity to have their art displayed during a public art show. On July 1, the KARZ Club Car Show & Rod Run –a car show with live music, food trucks and the art show– will be held at the VA medical center in Sheridan. All veterans are invited to enter their creative work for the art show, though only veterans enrolled in the VA for health care are eligible for the competition

To ensure participation in the competition, submissions must be made by Sept. 1, for local judging, in order to be considered for the national art submissions. Entries can include any work done within the last year. Veterans who already have a creative product that meet the requirements of a category are welcome to submit.

Information on each division is available by clicking here. 

Entry forms are downloadable from the site but Veterans who would like to take part may also email Sheridan_Creative_Arts@va.gov for the submission form. 

Performance artists should email requesting information on how they submit their entry. Performance artists may also contact Recreation Therapy Supervisor Tami Fleshman at 307-675-3312.