Eglin members get work chosen to showcase in AF gallery

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Meares
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A new Air Force Services Website is giving 11 Eglin artists a chance to share something personal with the world via the Internet...how they see their world.

Throughout the ages, art has been a medium people have used to express their views of the world and their reality. From stories being told on the walls of caves to murals being painted on the sides of buildings, art has been a mainstay throughout human history.

"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place; from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web," said Pablo Picasso, a famous 20th century Western artist.

An annual Air Force Arts and Crafts program continues that tradition by helping Internet age artists display their work.

"It encourages aspiring photographers and artists of all ages to share their work with members of the Eglin community," said Johnathan McDaniel, Eglin Arts and Crafts Center director. "For those who are recognized at higher levels, it is validation of their artistic talent and reward for their efforts."

For 8-year-old Katelyn Hooker, the mixture of the colors makes for a more appealing painting then just straight out of the tub.

"She likes to paint and likes mixing the colors," said Kelly Hooker, Katelyn's mom.

Katelyn took top honor as best in show for her "Bluebird on Branch" in the Youth 6-11 category. The painting boasts an array of colors surrounding a bluebird. She has also painted other animals like a horse, a dolphin and even a mermaid. She also did a portrait of the military working dog her dad, Staff Sgt. Rickey Hooker, is the handler for.

Kaitlyn Ducharme, a senior in high school and Okaloosa Walton College student, has a little different approach to her art work. She uses a camera instead of a canvas. Through her camera, she is inspired by the things around her. She had two images selected for the gallery this year; "I am different," and untitled black and white photo of a guy sitting on a staircase.

"The staircase was incredible," Ducharme said. "It reminded me of how dark things could be in life and how there is always light at the end of the tunnel if you just keep moving and don't despair. It's about the battle against anything in life."

Some of the most famous photographers in history have used emotion to express an opinion or feeling.

"A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed," said Ansel Adams, a famous 20th century black and white photographer.

It was in this spirit Kaitlyn said she captured how she felt about herself in the best of show photograph "I am Different." A flowering tree full of pink flowers was made black and white with only the color of one pink flower standing out in the middle.

Even though they all look the same, the one in the middle is different she said.

The Web site, www.af-artscrafts.com,  is a resource for arts and crafts customers to find information on local base centers as well as tips for creative projects and auto hobby.

"[We are] proud to introduce a website that is specifically designed for the centers' customers," said Gary Lott, an Air Force Services Agency marketing specialist. "This will offer them an opportunity to showcase their creativity and abilities, while providing them with valuable information on the program and tricks of the trade. When we designed this website we tried to keep our customers' needs in mind, focusing on what tools they will need to continue improving in their craft. We are excited to introduce such an innovative resource for our centers and our consumers."

As part of an ongoing effort to develop the overall Arts and Crafts program, the website will provide a medium for customers to become interactive with their base center and view overall services and programs, he said.

The Web site features something for everyone including artists, craftsmen, photographers and auto hobby enthusiasts. Under three sections titled "exhibitions," there is a link to a different aspect of the arts and crafts program. The first section will take the online user to the gallery website, the second section offers tips on creative projects, as well as updates on arts and crafts centers at bases worldwide and the third section is dedicated to auto hobby.

Arts and crafts supports five core programs among base centers including: resale, special events, do-it-yourself, instructional and fee-for-service. These programs provide a variety of services and products uniquely offered at each base. While program selection differs from installation to installation, the overall goal remains the same, to enhance the quality-of-life for military personnel by promoting their overall growth and development.

Under the categories listed, the Eglin artists selected for the gallery are:

Photography:
Pouncing White Tiger* (Youth, 12-17), Dani Jo Cook

Untitled (Youth, 12-17), Kaitlyn A. Ducharme

A Welcoming Shadow* (Youth, 12-17), Chrisi M. Huntz

Oasis, Penny L. Barnes

Just Chillin'* Gregg A. Thomas

Leap of Faith, Staff Sgt. Mike Meares

I Am Different* (Youth, 12-17), Kaitlyn A. Ducharme

C-130 Lightning, Tech. Sgt. Anthony M. Petruzzi

Artist-Craftsman:
Raku Vase, Eugene L. Rybicki

Beach House Getaway* (Youth, 12-17), Kimberly A. Rogers

Bluebird on Branch* (Youth, 6-11), Katelyn L. Hooker

Galactic Guardian* (Youth, 6-11), Christian J. Calimlim

* denotes best of show selection
(Sarah Tober contributed to this article)