Nationwide, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities use the creative arts as one form of rehabilitative treatment to help Veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities.

Each year, Veterans compete in a local creative arts competition. The competition includes categories in the visual arts division that range from oil painting to leatherwork to photography. In addition, there are categories in writing as well as the performing arts of dance, drama and music.

Trico donated $1,300 to the Casas Adobes American Legion Auxiliary Unit #73 to buy supplies for a local creative arts competition held on September 16.

“We want to thank Trico for the wonderful gift to our Veterans,” said Karen Borth, Casas Adobes American Legion Auxiliary Unit #73 secretary.

Local creative arts competition first place winning entries advance to a national judging process and first, second and third place entries in each category are determined. Selected gold-medal-winning Veterans are invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival hosted by a different VA facility each year.

The 42nd National Veterans Creative Arts Festival will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, April 10-17, 2023. The festival culminates with a stage performance, writing exhibition and gallery-style showcase of artwork.