Submissions now being accepted for CRDAMC third annual art show

By Brandy Gill, CRDRAMC PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Department is now accepting artwork admissions for their third annual Soldier and Family Art Show that will officially debut May 30 at this year’s Behavioral Health Fair.

This year’s art show is open to all Soldiers, Veterans, spouses and dependent children, Stacy Nelson, a CRDAMC licensed clinical social worker and supervisor of the Social Work Care Manager Program, said.

According to Nelson, the show has seen great success in previous years.

“We had approximately 35 entries in last year's show,” she said. “Many of the pieces that were submitted were remarkably thought-provoking, heartbreaking or inspiring.

Art has long been considered therapeutic in nature, and the display of these pieces often helps artists heal and find closure to past events or burdens.

“Individuals who have entered have really appreciated the opportunity to share their talent and their ‘message’ with the community.  Visitors to the exhibit give great feedback, praise and encouragement to the artists using small comment cards we have provided,” Nelson said.

In the past the art show was only opened to Soldiers who submitted photographs, poetry, drawings, painting, or sculptures. The previous interest and success of this event is why CRDAMC has chosen to open the event to a wider group to include more beneficiaries.

“Submissions must accompany an official application, which contains a release that needs to be signed. We also request that applicants write a brief description of their piece which will which will be displayed with their art,” Nelsen said.

Artwork will first be displayed at the CRDAMC Behavioral Health Fair on May 30, and then in the CRDAMC front lobby and the dining facility until June 7.

Entries must be dropped off no later than May 17, (with completed application) at the Apache

Arts and Crafts Center, Bldg 2337 on 62nd and 761st Tank Battalion between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

All submitted artwork will be returned to the contributing artists. Pieces may be picked up after June 11 at Apache Arts & Crafts Center.

For more information, contact Stacy Nelsen at 254-535-1519 or [email protected].

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