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Arts and Crafts Center provides creative outlets for everyone

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Arielle Vasquez
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
When an occasion calls for something special, Andersen Air Force Base's Arts and Crafts Center has a variety of outlets for service members and families to express themselves and develop their skills.

Since its opening at the Plaza Arcade in December 2012, a variety of classes take place every month which includes painting, photography, Thai cooking, knitting and jewelry-making classes.

In addition to these classes, the Arts and Crafts Center, located in Bldg. 25005, has helped the base community mark occasions and capture memories through its engraving service, retirement mementos and custom framing.

"One of our most popular classes is Taste of Painting," said Syomi Dodd, 36th Force Support Squadron Arts and Crafts Center director. "People really enjoy this class, and everyone that attends will be given the supplies needed such as a canvas, brushes and paint to create their product, plus they are given food and refreshments while doing so."

Many of the classes are taught by Nuttiya Jitsoontorn, 36th FSS Arts and Crafts Center recreation assistant. She instructs many of the arts and crafts classes for children, teaches Thai cooking, knitting, origami, as well as providing the engraving and framing service on base.

"More than anything, I love to interact with people and help the customers," Jitsoontorn said. "I see that my students enjoy themselves and are learning a lot. Sometimes they stop by with questions and ask me how to do certain things like read a pattern or how to do a stitch, and I always look forward to seeing them."

The center strives to meet customer satisfaction and provide quality products that people desire.

"If a person is not able to attend a class or if they prefer one-on-one instruction, we also provide that," Dodd said. "We do our best to cater to people so they can have an enjoyable time while learning."

More information on upcoming classes is listed on http://36fss.com/arts-and-crafts. For more information or to sign up for classes, contact the Arts and Crafts Center at 366-4248.