Moody youth participate in community art exhibit

  • Published
  • By Nikki Bennett
  • 23rd Force Support Squadron youth programs chief
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In celebration of the Year of the Air Force Family campaign, youth from Moody and had the opportunity to showcase their artwork at a local art gallery in downtown Valdosta, Ga.

Participants from Moody's Family Child Care Program, Child Development Center and Youth Programs, were invited to create artwork pieces for a display at the Roberta George Children's Gallery at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts.

More than 187 children ages 6 weeks to 18 years old participated in this year's event. The event kicked off June 7 with an opening reception.

One of the participants, Kira, daughter of Lt. Col. Ryan Mantz, 23rd Mission Support Group deputy commander, and Becky Mantz, created a collage masterpiece titled, "Home." She had the opportunity to share her artwork display with Valdosta Mayor, John Fretti.

Kira attends the Open Recreation program at the Youth Center and dedicated two full days on her artwork piece before it went on display.

The CDC, FCC and Youth Programs provide the opportunity for the children and youth to engage in hands-on learning experiences each day. A fully-stocked art center is located within each classroom.

Young children can create masterpieces using media such as play dough, crayons, washable markers, watercolors, collage materials and finger paint. Older children are able to utilize media such as pottery, clay, oil pastels and cloth art.

In each of the programs, art is viewed as an opportunity for children to learn as they explore and engage in hands-on learning experiences.

Teachers in the child care centers encourage children's artwork to focus on the process of creating the masterpieces versus being product-oriented.

The walls in the CDC, FCC homes and Youth Center display a vast array of artwork that is unique and individual in nature. It goes without saying that, "No two pieces are the same."

"This year the artwork focused on celebrating the year of the Air Force family and keeping our children linked with their deployed parent," said Karen White, 23rd Force Support Squadron CDC section chief.

Members of the Moody community are invited to stop by the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and view the artwork display. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The event is free and open to the public now through Aug. 4. The gallery is located at 527 North Patterson Street.