The VA Western Colorado Health Care System will host the 28th annual Creative Arts Festival, which highlights the artistic talents of veterans, from July 23 to July 31. The festival’s opening ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on July 23 at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center, Building 6, 2121 North Ave.

This festival is part of the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which has celebrated veteran artistic expression for 45 years. This year, the local festival features 180 entries by 67 veterans in five divisions: Visual Arts; Dance; Creative Writing; Drama; and Music. There are 23 new participants this year.

Local winners from the festival will have the opportunity to compete on a national level, joining a wider community of veterans who share a passion for creative arts.

The art display will be open for viewing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 24-31.