This month the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Auxiliary concluded its final selection of winners for The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF). First Place in the category of sculpture is to be presented to Colorado artist Brian Grossman. The program is a national celebration of the talent competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music for Veterans treated in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national health care system.
Sculptor Brian Grossman is a renowned artisan who, although afflicted with multiple sclerosis, has triumphed in both stone carving and bronze sculpting. This award is the culmination of a year-long jury process by the Department of Veteran Affairs. The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival will be held October 27 through November 2, 2014 in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The VA medical facilities incorporate creative arts into their therapy programs to further rehabilitation for both inpatients and outpatients. The story of Grossman's perseverance showcases his success in the face of monumental obstacles. After serving four years with the US Coast Guard, Brian returned to Boulder to attend college. After completing his degree in art, he was diagnosed with MS. In spite of this progressively handicapping disease, Brian works in one of the most physically demanding mediums. The creative process is anything but gentle as he crafts in the unyielding materials of alabaster, marble and bronze. Yet, his abstract works speak to an inner beauty while their creation is paramount to his own therapy and serve as an inspiration to others.Videos