Get crafty at McConnell Arts and Crafts Center

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Stai
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Arts and Crafts Center here offers many classes for McConnell Airmen, their families and retirees.

The facility has recently been upgraded to better use its space, allowing more functions to be available to its customers.

“We’ve had Pinterest classes, sewing classes, framing classes, woodworking classes and photography classes,” said Jackie White, 22nd Force Support Squadron Arts and Crafts director. “Programs coming soon to the center include jewelry and stained glass classes, as well as programs to introduce homeschooled children to the arts.”

The addition of new classes helped the center earn the 2016 Air Force Program of the Year award, which focused on the innovation and signifigant upgrades to the equipment and courses that support the mission.

“The new programs offered and upgraded technology is what set us apart,” White said. “The woodshop reopened after two and a half years of being closed, and we got rid of the old and brought in new equipment that works.”

One of the new pieces of equipment is a computer numerical control router, a machine used for cutting various hard materials such as wood, composities, alumunium, steel, plastics and foams.

Along with the new equipment, the center has changed how it trains its members. All five staff members will be cross-trained into each specialty skillsets offered, which allows the center to better serve the customers, explained White.

“The availability and turn around time of products brings our customers back again and again,” said Aline Hatch, 22nd FSS Arts and Crafts center framer.

To sign up for a class, call the center at 316-759-4084 or stop by building 424 any time between 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.