Veterans invited to submit art to annual Lovell Federal Health Center Veterans Creative Arts Festival

NORTH CHICAGO – The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center is seeking submissions for its 2023 Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which highlights the artwork, creative writing and musical talents of area veterans.

Veterans enrolled for care at any of Lovell FHCC’s clinics or at the main hospital may enter in art, music, dance and writing categories. Art categories are painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, wood, leather and model kits and pottery. Performance categories include dance (including wheelchair dance), drama (including comedy), solo and group vocal and instrumental acts, vocal original compositions and special recognition. Veterans also may submit creative writing including essays, poetry and short stories.

Registration for all categories is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 24 and 25 in Building 131, Room 101 (Activity Room) at the North Chicago campus. Artists and creative writers can drop off their submissions at this time.

The art show will be Sept. 19 and 20 at Lovell FHCC in North Chicago.

A live stage show for performance categories will be Oct. 12 at the College of Lake County.

Questions should be directed to CAF coordinators Tricia Stewart at tricia.stewart@va.gov or 224-235-2280 or Elizabeth LaCombe at Elizabeth.lacombe@va.gov or 224-336-0021.

The Creative Arts Festival gives veterans a chance to participate in creative self-expression in art and performance and gain recognition. Local artists, musicians and writers will judge the creative entries and determine places. Top finishers in Lovell FHCC’s event may be eligible to advance to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.