Kids 'draw' crowds with creative art

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  After almost two years of waiting, Moody's children and youth recently joined together to create an art display at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts in Valdosta.

The display, which can be observed until August 6, features artwork from children and youth in the 23rd Force Support Squadron's Child Development Center, Family Child Care and Youth Center, ranging from 2 weeks old to 18 years old.

"The 23rd FSS wanted to showcase the vast talent of the children and youth in their programs with the local community," said Nikki Bennett, Youth Center programs section chief. "Being a part of the gallery also helped the CDC fulfill accreditation requirements through the National Association for the Education of Young Children."

Moody was placed on the waiting list back in October 2006 since the exhibit only occurs every 3-5 years.

After signing up for the galley, the program leaders planned on what kind of artwork would be displayed.

"We wanted the 'wow' factor for our art display," said Karen White, CDC section chief. "Each group was assigned one creative project so that we wouldn't have just one type of artwork."

The varying artwork designs included 3-D art, quilts, homemade pillows, collages, fine arts, fashion designs and photography.

"The children and youth are exposed to new art experiences daily," said Mrs. Bennett. "Recyclable materials such as toilet paper tubs, egg shells and coffee filters as well as nature items such as pine straw, rocks and pine cones are often used to assist children in expressing their creativity.

"The Air Force strongly urges process-oriented art in our programs," she added. "We do not focus primarily on the end product of an art design, but rather on the overall process of creating the product. Children are encouraged to participate, get messy, use their imagination and create their own masterpieces."

When Airman 1st Class Quintin Echols, 23rd Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, discovered that his three-year-old daughter's masquerade mask was displayed at the center, he immediately went to see her artwork first-hand.

"I was elated when I found out that Jade's artwork was a part of the gallery," said Airman Echols. "I will always remember this experience because at such a young age, she already accomplished something big."

Rocanne Wills, FCC coordinator, prepared the artwork for display while Ms. White and Lesley Darley, CDC training and curriculum specialist, arranged the artwork to meet the gallery's standards.

"Our goal was to make sure that every child was represented in the gallery," said Ms. White. "We spent time labeling everything so that it was clear whose artwork it was."

We had a good time planning and actually seeing everything together, said Ms. White.

"I'm very excited to have Moody represented downtown," she said. "It was great watching the reactions of the parents as well as the community."