The arts and crafts center on base allows Airmen, dependents and family members to use their creative minds.
They offer a variety of classes, like painting, beading, scrapbook, and framing
“Beading is normally held once a month,” said Tracy Dusablon, arts and crafts center manager. “It’s an evening class, so it’s taught when we’re closed. Scrapbooking is also held once a month. Our scrapbooking class isn’t just how to make a scrapbook, but also how to set up a page and what to do with the pictures. Scrapbooking also includes paper crafting, card making, and altered crafts.”
Anyone who has base access can take the classes provided.
“We do have quite a lot of people that come in,” Dusablon said. “Most of the time it seems to be a lot of spouses and family members. We do have some Active Duty that come in, but not as often as dependents. We’re always looking for more people to visit.”
One class in particular fills up quickly during the winter months of the year and can also be quite the budget saver.
“A lot of people want to get into picture framing and realize how expensive it is,” Dusablon said. “We do have a picture framing shop here where we not only do it for you but we will teach you how to do it on your own from beginning to end. The cost is only $35 for a four-hour class. After that, you can use the facility for three dollars an hour to make your own frame. You save at least half of what everyone wants downtown.”
Dusablon has worked with the arts and crafts center for 13 years now and still adores making crafts.
“I’m an avid crafter and I do it all the time,” Dusablon said. “For me, being able to make crafts and seeing someone enjoy what they’ve made and giving them the happiness of saying ‘I made that’ is such a joy. I love seeing that every day.”
For those interested in registering for a class, call the arts and crafts center at 228-4385. For updates on upcoming classes and deals the center has, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DMA3C
