The following is a press release written by Jenny Tracey for the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 18.
Bloomington, IN: Through an American Legion Auxiliary Foundation grant, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 18 in Bloomington has been busy inviting local Veterans and youth related to veterans to compete in the 3rd Annual Morgan County Veterans Creative Arts Festival. This year, the festival will be open to ALL residents of Indiana. The event occurs on Friday, August 9, at the Art Sanctuary at 190 N. Sycamore Street, Martinsville, Indiana, 6:30-8:30 pm. This event is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 230, Martinsville, but the local American Legion Auxiliary Unit 18 sits on the planning committee this year.
Art has helped veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. The festival provides a platform for rehabilitation and support through artwork and an opportunity for veterans to meet other veterans dealing with the same issues.
Winners will receive financial compensation and the opportunity to enter their artwork at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which will be held in Indianapolis from May 11 to 18, 2025. The Morgan County Veterans Creative Arts Festival awards the first prize of $100, the second $50, and the third $25.
This year, the festival is open to military/veteran children and grandchildren. They can submit one piece of artwork for competition and financial compensation. Unlike the veterans, there is no opportunity for competition at the National level.
They opened the festival in surrounding counties to increase awareness and participation. They hope more veterans will take advantage of healing through art.
Applications are available through the American Legion Post 230 in Martinsville, Post 18 in Bloomington, the Morgan County Veteran Service Office, Monroe County Service Office, as well as through the Event Coordinator Dani Fluhr if you can assist 317-319-7998 or email: alacreativeartsfestival@gmail.com. Contestants must show proof of military/veteran service. Children must show proof of relation to a military/veteran. The artwork drop-off is between August 3 at 10 am and August 8 at 2 pm.
To do this event again next year, we need donations. We hope to be even more involved next year. If you want to make a financial contribution, please send a check to the ALA Unit 18, c/o Creative Arts, 1800 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47404. Checks can be written to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 18 with “Creative Arts Morgan County” in the memo line.
We are also looking for contributions to help host the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Indiana is busy raising funds for the Hospitality Room for Veterans. This is where Veterans come in and relax and enjoy a snack and a beverage while they rest between rehearsals, art lessons, and competitions… If you want to help us, make these Veterans’ experiences memorable, please donate funds to the American Legion Auxiliary with “2025 Creative Arts Hospitality Room” in the memo line.
The American Legion Auxiliary is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Our organization is the foundation of every community, providing support for our veterans, our military, and their families by shaping a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace, and security. The Auxiliary also provides patriotic programs to educate our youth and the community.
“It is our job to care for those who gave us the right to freedom!” said member Past Creative Arts Chairman Stephanie Ayers. “The men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces make sacrifices daily to ensure that Americans continue to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear. This event is just one of the ways that we can honor veterans, military, and their families,” said Past District 7 President Jenny Tracy. She continues, “We are grateful that Unit 230 in Martinsville began this journey and that now other Units within District 7 can join in and support our local veterans.”
The American Legion Auxiliary, founded in 1919, is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. ALA members assist veterans in hospitals, advocate for veteran issues, support therapeutic creative arts festivals, distribute poppies for remembrance, and much more. In addition to serving the military community, the American Legion Auxiliary hosts ALA Girls Nation and the ALA Girls State programs that teach future leaders about government and civic responsibility. Learn more at www.ALAforVeterans.org and @ALAforVeterans on Instagram and Facebook.
