Several Butler County veterans were selected as first-place winners in the 2023 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition.

Army veteran Krystal Anspach was selected as a first-place winner in the Art Division for her diorama, “Mini She Shed.”

Marine veteran Lori Ceder was selected as a first-place winner in the Art Division under two categories.

Ceder took first-place for her original design in needlework, illusion of movement and for her “Retro Classic” leather kit.

Air Force veteran Terrance Blair took first-place for the second year in a row with a figurine painting entry.

Local veterans were also selected for second-place and third-place.

Charles Jennings took second place in the art division and veteran Lindsey Anderson from Armstrong township took third place in the Music Division.

The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is the culmination of VA facility competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music for veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs national health care system.

The first-place winners are invited to attend the national festival hosted in Denver in May.