HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — This week the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center opened its doors to the public for the annual National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. About 50 veterans from the Huntington area submitted works ranging from paintings and drawings to poetry, drama scripts and short videos.
Art as therapy
Organizers stress that the competition is more than a showcase; it is a therapeutic tool. Participants are enrolled in inpatient or outpatient therapy programs, and the creative process helps them explore talents, process experiences and build confidence. “Through art we find a voice that medicine alone cannot provide,” said one veteran, whose watercolor of a sunrise earned a top‑three finish.
Fifteen years of community tradition
The event has been a Huntington staple for roughly 15 years, giving service‑men and women a venue to share their stories and receive recognition. Local families, school groups and community members attended the exhibition, walking the halls to view the diverse pieces and hear readings of poetry and short plays performed by the veterans themselves.
Path to a national stage
Winners of the local competition may advance to the national round, where entries from VA facilities across the United States compete for top honors. First‑place national winners are invited to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for November 2027.
Support from the community
Local businesses and civic groups contributed supplies, refreshments and volunteer hours, underscoring the community’s commitment to honoring those who served. The VA Medical Center’s director noted that the event aligns with the department’s broader goal of holistic recovery, combining medical care with creative outlets.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the competition will continue to grow, encouraging more veterans to express themselves through the arts and fostering greater public appreciation for their sacrifices. The next local showcase is slated for the spring of 2027, with plans to expand the video‑production category and add a collaborative mural project.
For more information about upcoming veteran‑focused arts programs, visit the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center website or contact the hospital’s community outreach office.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
