2nd Annual Torch 1975 Inc's Patriotic Art Contest & Gala

Second Annual Torch 1975 Inc’s Patriotic Art Contest, featuring Veteran artists, Service member artists, & their spouses.  The Contest currently runs from 03/01/15 – 07/31/15.  Judging will be on August 8^th, and then the Awards Ceremony Gala will be on September 19^th, 2015. 

This year the Contest allows Veterans of all generations to participate over the tri-states (California, Arizona, & Nevada).   Korean Veteran – Robert Schaar, who is also a long time resident of Dana Point, is our Contest Advisor.  So far, we received about 60 art pieces with many variety forms from Contestants all over 3 states. 

One of our Contestants, a Vietnam Veteran - Mr. Thomas Massa, who is 100% blind, just submitted his beautiful painting as seen above.  Mr Massa is also a Magician, and he'll perform some tricks during our Gala.

Why:  
A National Veteran Study reports an estimated 22 Veterans die from suicide each day.  In an effort to promote suicide prevention for Veterans, Torch 1975 Inc hosts a Patriotic Art Contest annually.  Torch 1975 Inc strongly believes the Art Contest provides an educational community based collaboration platform for our Military combat service members to:
·         express feelings and war experiences that are difficult to express verbally
·         help reduce anxiety and mood disorders
·         externalize, verbalize, and resolve memories of traumatic events
·         reactivate positive emotions
·         positive creativity exploration, and spreading patriotism within our community

As our last year’s First Prize Award Winner – Sergeant HN, shared “The Wounded Warrior Photography Program really guided me through dark times after three deployments with a close friend who later committed suicide”.  He strongly advises other Veterans to utilize the Art’s platform provided by Torch 1975 Inc as a method for therapeutic healing.