Area veterans display their skills in a national competition

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — “It is a way to kind of quiet the brain, to be really just excited about something. And that my business and the leather work was really part of that,” Calie Lindseth, Artist

Veterans from across North Dakota displayed more than 50 pieces of art at the Fargo VA’s Creative Arts Competition. The competition features stories, poems, pottery, paintings, and more.

“So you look at the veterans that may be had that bond out on the battlefield or within their units. And once they leave that, coming to civilian life, you know where can they find that,” said Kim Heazlett, Recreational Therapist and Coordinator for National Veterans’ Creative Arts Competition.

Several pieces submitted were by one veteran known as the ‘Carving Cowboy.” He served in the North Dakota Air National Guard all over the world, and after retiring twenty years ago, he picked up on carving anything he could.

“When I started carving, most of my carvings tended to go towards cowboys or Native American stuff like that. And truly, a majority of them were cowboys, so I got nicknamed the ‘Carving Cowboy.’ I now carve animals and all kinds of other things and stuff too, but a full range of if you can put a knife into it, I’ve tried it,” said Dean Tvedt.

Tvedt estimates he has carved 500 pieces over the years for friends, family, and people all across the world.
Lindseth grew up with horses and learned how to make saddles apprenticing under a Vietnam veteran. With her sister, they have custom-made 41 saddles for their business.

“A huge part of our business is preserving, but also really stressing safety. And allowing horses to be accessible to all income levels and to children everywhere,” said Lindseth.

While the pieces are on display for the competition, many veterans are showing the artwork to express their emotions as well.

The winner of the local competition will move on to the national competition.