The Minneapolis VA Medical Center looks more like an art gallery this week as the 2025 National Veteran Creative Arts Competition Showcase underway.

"There is no loss for creativity within our veteran community," said Ali DeCamillis, an art therapist at the VA.

The four-day event features paintings, photography, sculptures, creative writing and live performances. The top three finalists in each division go on to the national competition later this year.

"I love each piece of art because there's always a story that goes with it," said DeCamillis. "Their artwork isn't always about their military experience, sometimes it is, but it's more about healing as a person. Finding their sense of identity through art. Making connections with each other and really beginning to see beauty in the world."

Art is the best way to cope for Army veteran Delsita Day.

"I paint through pain sometimes," said Day. "Being sad, I just create something pretty and beautiful and that makes me happy."

"Excellent, excellent. It has been a great addition to my life," said Marine Dick Rettke. "And I don't think it would have happened without art therapy."

DeCamillis said the goal is to honor the veterans' voices, in both their personal and military experience.

"This event is really special, as are our veterans," she said. "We love them. We love what we do here."