Club of the Month: Painting Club

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley Williamson
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Whether you're an amateur painter who just picked up the brush or the next Michelangelo ready to the next great work of art, the Painting Club is looking for you.

What started as a blank canvas, when the Make It Better initiative first introduced clubs to Seymour Johnson AFB, has slowly evolved into the masterpiece it is today. Currently boasting more than 60 members, the Painting Club meets on the third or fourth Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. in the bingo room at Eagles Landing.

"My main goal for this club is for the members to have a chance to be creative in a relaxed environment," said Staff Sgt. Tasha Stephenson, 372nd Training Squadron Detachment 2 aerospace ground equipment instructor. "I want them to learn from each other, and with time, themselves so they can grow as artists."

Working to extend its reach beyond the base gates, the club has coordinated with the Arts Council of Wayne County to set up a "paint week" to assist in finishing two new art alleys in Downtown Goldsboro, North Carolina. The weeklong event will partner both organizations together to complete several panels that will be on display in an attempt to help beautify the city.

"My hope is that, by providing this collaboration with the Arts Council, the Painting Club can improve membership and entice other Air Force members to get involved and make a difference within their community," said Heather Reynolds, gallery director at the Arts Council of Wayne County. "The best way to make this [community] feel like home is to have a stake in its success."

Both Reynolds and Stephenson believe the MIB initiative and all the clubs on base create opportunities for Airmen and their families to network, grow friendships, form local community relations and improve morale.

"I hope our relationship with the Arts Council motivates our members even more to get involved and help support our local community," Stephenson said.

For more information about the Painting Club or to sign up, call (919) 722-8671.