Get creative

Staff Sgt. Maura Sturgeon, 355th Force Support Squadron team lead for the First Term Airman Center, watches her son create a jack-o-lantern at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Arts & Crafts Center, Oct. 16, 2013. The center holds a Reading and Crafting hour that was formerly hosted by the base library. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier)

Get Creative

Staff Sgt. Maura Sturgeon’s, 355th Force Support Squadron team lead for the First Term Airman Center, son Nathan points to a picture during Reading and Crafting hour at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Oct. 16, 2013. The hour consisted of a book being read to the children in attendance and then creating jack-o-lanterns with foam designs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier)

Get creative

Published Oct. 17, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Betty R. Chevalier
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - -- The Arts & Crafts Center here offers many services, classes and products for base members.

When the government began reducing our footprint and the amount of money spent at base levels, the center picked up activities and services that were removed when certain organizations closed.

"The library use to run the Reading & Crafting program, but we have taken it up," said Tracy Dusablon, 355th Force Support Squadron, Arts & Crafts Center manager. "With the government slimming things down, we try to relocate some of the things here so they are still available on base."

The center is open during the week, but many groups set up weekend events with Dusablon.

"We have instructors that teach our classes, such as framing, quilting and scrapbooking, which are held on Saturdays," Dusablon said. "Classes are available but the store is not open for regular business."

The A&C holds seasonal events designed for families. Currently, they are hosting holiday ceramics. For Halloween, there will be a pumpkin that lights up, followed by Thanksgiving platters in November and December will wrap up the special with Christmas trees.

"If you go downtown, you can get the same ceramic pieces we have here," Dusablon said. "One piece can cost $60 downtown and we will have the same piece for $30. Most of our ceramics run at about half the price and include painting, glazing and firing."

For more information you can visit the center, or call 228-4385, visit their website at www.dmforcesupport.com.