Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System

Veterans Art Gallery outside the Charleston VAMC canteen.

Three residents of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center’s Patriots Harbor Community Living Center recently had art selected for entry to the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition.  Robert Eadie painted “Tigers,” Robert Spencer painted “Clock,” and Dennis Brown drew “Faces,” and each received certificates of participation. 

The key purpose of the National Veterans Creative Arts competition and Festival is to recognize Veterans for their creative accomplishments and to educate and demonstrate to communities throughout the country the therapeutic benefits of the arts.

Late summer 2010, space was given outside the Charleston VAMC canteen for the Veterans Art Gallery.  This helped satisfy the requirement for the National Festival.  The Charleston VAMC is excited about the opportunity for its Veterans to display their art and compete in national competition. 

 “Each year we have had increased interest [in the competition].  Our hope is that with some additional advertising we will increase the number of Veterans participating and develop a true revolving display,” said Cindy Ingels, Patriots Harbor activities director.