Phoenix VA Holds 18th Annual Creative Arts Festival
The Phoenix VA Health Care System hosted the 18th annual Creative Arts Festival at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center on June 27.
This festival featured original artwork created by Veterans, including fine arts, applied arts, creative writing, and music. Nearly 100 Veterans participated in the festival, which included 94 art submissions, as well as live musical performances led by Veterans.
Best in Show was awarded to John Fontana for his Mixed Media work, entitled NEVER FORGET.
The winner for the Group Artwork, Top Gun: Maverick, was created by 43 inpatient Veterans, who spent over 80 hours working on the painting.
Other winners included: Melissa Freed (Acrylic); John Fontana (Diorama, oil painting); Daniel Combs (Colored Drawing); Pamela Lynn (Monochromatic Drawing); Michael Grill (Pastels, Pottery, Printmaking); Pamela Lynn (Watercolor); Christopher Block (Black and White Photography); Delvin Gonzales (Color Photography, Metalwork); Ralph Eldridge (Glasswork); Ed Aboud (Pyrography, Woodworking); Jack Sullivan (Stained or Painted Ceramics); Roseanne Marquez (Mixed Media); Michael Groff (Model building); Keith Ritcherson (wood building, beadwork); Sharon Curry (Mosiac Kit); Julie Cole McCarter (paint by number); Kristy Hamm (Scroll Fretwork); Shalimar Thomas (Assemblage, Military/Combat experience); and Jean Bressan (Crochet/Knitting).
Musical winners included: Robert Anthony Guy, Charles Ruffing, Bennie Ousley, David Callaghan, Theodore Baker, Daniel Clore, Michael Memoli, and Homer Jarvis.
Creative writing winners included: Anthony Cinquini, Albert Quihuis, Orville Thompson, Pizii Cmmillo, and Delvan Gonzales.
Below please see an essay written by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Ethan Berkson from the Phoenix VA about the inspiration behind the Top Gun: Maverick Group Artwork project submitted for the 2024 Creative Arts Festival.
Within the therapeutic realm, art's transformative power has been harnessed to foster connections, ignite creativity, and alleviate the isolating effects of mental health challenges. A group art project, Top Gun: Maverick, implemented within a recreational therapy group for Veterans at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, exemplified this transformative potential.
Top Gun: Maverick, a paint-by-number project, aimed to empower Veterans by providing a platform for self-expression while addressing therapeutic goals on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The subject of the art was selected as a theme all Veterans could relate to. The shared experience of artistic creation facilitated socialization, encouraged the exploration of inner thoughts and emotions, and fostered a sense of community among the participants. The project enhanced creativity, and provided a therapeutic outlet, promoting emotional healing and reducing feelings of isolation.
As they gathered around the canvas, Veterans shared stories, laughter, and a sense of connection. The act of choosing colors, mixing hues, and meticulously filling in each numbered section not only engaged their minds but also provided a tangible outlet for self-expression. With each brushstroke, Veterans discovered creativity within themselves. Creation of
Top Gun: Maverick fostered a sense of purpose and accomplishment, empowering Veterans to reclaim their identities and embrace their potential. As they worked side by side, Veterans realized that they were not alone in their struggles and that together they could create something truly extraordinary.
Through this Top Gun: Maverick paint-by-number project, Veterans not only created a work of art but also transformed their own lives. The artwork became a catalyst for healing and a bridge to connection. After completing Top Gun: Maverick, Veterans realized that they have a creative voice, and they deserve to be heard.
Creating Top Gun: Maverick:
With the assistance of the staff from Medical Media at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center the decision was made to print this “Paint by Number” art project on poly paper roll 24” wide, 36” wide and acrylic paint was used as well as a variety of Dynasty paint brushes were used. The art was mounted on astrobrights poster boards 22x28 559 x 711 mm for a total size of 4’x3’. Cardboard was used behind it to make it sturdier and to add depth. The piece is held together using double sticky dots, tacky glue, and double sticky scotch tape.
To participate in the 2025 Creative Arts Festival, contact the Recreation Therapy office at 602-277-5551 ext. 7250 in March 2025 for more information. Next year’s Creative Arts Festival is scheduled to take place on May 8, 2025.