Cultural awareness through art Published April 14, 2010 By Kimberly L. Wright Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- With more than 2.6 million items in its collections, the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center is normally a place associated with scholarly works in military sciences, aeronautics and leadership. This spring, for the second year, the center is enhancing its offerings in a colorful way, bringing imagination and creativity to the forefront with about 30 pieces of art on display. To reflect the theme of the exhibition, "Cultural awareness through art," the artwork includes oil paintings, pen and ink prints, mixed media and acrylics provided by a local art group, Capital City Artists. The work currently on display in the lobby will be featured throughout this month. Another collction will be on display in May. The public is invited to usher in the second collection and meet the artists May 4, at 1:30 p.m., during a reception at the center. Refreshments will be served. Librarian Carrie Springer started the tradition last year as president of the FRIC's staff association. "The first exhibit took place last spring when the library staff was focusing on Air University's Quality Enhancement Plan '3C' or Cross-Culturally Competent Airmen," said librarian Helen Lehman, who served as an officer on the staff association at that time. "As the library was developing a collection focusing on cultural awareness, the idea of filling the FRIC lobby showcases with fine art as a different form of culture seemed like an appropriate idea." Ms. Springer said she is thrilled that the idea has caught on for a second year. "The artwork makes for a cheery and unique welcome," she said. "Several library patrons commented on and complimented the pieces last year, and I think this year's works are even better. I hope that our relationship with the artists and exhibiting the artwork here at (the center) is a tradition that will continue in the future." Dr. Jeff Luzius, director of the research information center, noted that the art is a welcome addition to the busy facility. "It really livens up the lobby at the FRIC, and it really shows the relationship between Air University, Maxwell and the community," he said. Dr. Luzius noted that the facility normally welcomes about 15,000 people a month. In addition, the Air University Board of Visitors, an advisory committee that convenes twice a year, will hold a reception in the lobby this month. "A lot of people will be able to experience the art we have on display," he remarked. Capital City Artists is an association of artists who practice their craft together through the mentorship of director Judie Lee Hooks. These oil painters, mixed media and collage artists have won many awards from local shows and exhibitions, and several local and statewide galleries have exhibited their artwork. "I have been painting with this group for almost four years, and we are constantly looking for sources of inspiration and the time to work on them," said Jackie Armstrong. "Several of us look forward to the beautiful weather ahead to get out in the country and paint on location. We get together three to four times a year to go off together to YMCA Camp Chandler, on Lake Jordan, to do nothing but paint for three days." Through their art, the artists share diverse experiences, some of which were shaped by the military, said Brock Parker, a member of Capital City Artists. "Many of our artists are either spouses or children of retired military and as such have had the wonderful opportunity to live on bases throughout the world," he said. "The military life has enabled us to bring a unique perspective to our works as they are flavored with memories of times spent in the Orient, the Rocky Mountains, a village in Europe or a myriad of other sights, smells and sounds we have experienced around the world as well as in Alabama." Mr. Parker is pleased to display his art in such an elite setting. "All our works are reflections or composites of what we have seen and our attempt to personalize that expression or vision," he said. "It is an honor to share it with the visitors to the library, and hope that it inspires them to display their own life experiences in whatever medium or method they choose."