VA St. Louis Healthcare System

The week of October 17th created a memorable and rewarding experience for five St. Louis veterans and their families. The artistic, musical, dance and creative writing talents of our nations veterans were highlighted at the 2011 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, held this year in Fayetteville Arkansas.

            For five of our local veterans, their journey began in February at the VA's Got Talent Night and Visual Arts Show held in February.   A panel of judges selected their talents as being the best in their given category.  From there entries were sent onto the second phase of judging where each earned the distinction of being one of the top three in nation! The third and final phase was the selection of the best of the best, resulting in an invitation to attend the weeklong festival in Fayetteville.
 
            As the fall colors peaked and displayed their brilliance so did our talented veterans.  WWII veteran, Evertt Booten's latch hook of "Midnight Wolves" delighted viewers as he told his audience how creating a project helps him cope with loss and keeps him focused on something positive. While 87 year old army veteran, Millard Pursley, was unable to make the trip to Fayetteville, his string art project "Sail Away" was proudly on display at the Walton Art Center.  Millard who fought with General Patton in the 3rd Army, stayed home to work on his entry 2012. 

            On Sunday October the 23rd our local performers engaged an audience of 2,000 with their spectacular solo performances. Army veteran and poet, Emil S. St. Pellicer's poem "Shadow Under the Bridge" was used effectively to highlight the plight of the homeless veteran and bring awareness to the Homeless Veteran Program.   Terence Nelson combined his creative writing skills and his flair for dramatic reading to move the audience with his original dramatic reading "The Sandbox".  Terence gave the audience a better understanding of how a solider transitions from playing in the sandbox as a child to fighting in the sandbox of Iraq.

            Although, Joseph Hosner was not selected to perform his spirited Polka dance at the final performance his dance was captured on video as the audience got a glimpse of other talented Gold medal winners that were not chosen for the show.  Joseph at age 90 drove with his wife, to Fayetteville to see the fabulous stage show.

            The St. Louis VA Health Care System and our volunteers proudly support healing through the arts and we hope that you consider entering the 2012 local talent and visual arts shows.  If you don't feel artistically inclined come join the fun on February 16th for the VA's Got Talent Night and February 24th for the Visual Arts Show.  Please call Karen at (314) 652-4100 ext 64535 or Becky ext 64512 for details.   The 2012 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival will be held in Boston.