By Sara Fowler
 
Veterans from across the country have poured into Columbia, S.C. for the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. 

The national American Legion Auxiliary is proud to be the co-presenter of this annual event, alongside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I am so excited to be here this week,” said U.S. Navy veteran and visual artist April Durden. She’s a first time attendee of the Festival, coming from Texas. 

Veterans competed at their local VAs in the divisions of art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music. Over 7,000 entries were submitted into the competition from over 4,500 veterans with 124 VA facilities participating. 

“I am looking forward to looking at everybody’s visual art and experience the music,” Durden said about the upcoming week’s schedule. 

Not only is she a veteran, she’s also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. 

Throughout the week, veterans will participate in workshops, rehearsals, and local outings. There will also be a night of veteran performances and the art and writing exhibition, both open to the public. 

“I’m just excited to see what this week will have to offer and what I will learn and develop even more with artistic talent,” she said. “I just want to say thank you to everyone and I’m looking forward to what the week may hold.”

To see all the week’s happenings, follow along on our Facebook.