Air Force Week art exhibit opening set for Sept. 13

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt Debra Clayton
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  "Heritage to Horizons: Living History through Air Force Art" is one of the featured events of Air Force Week Honolulu set to take place Sept 7-15. Plans for the art exhibit in honor of the Air Forces' 60th anniversary will showcase 50 paintings from the Pacific Air forces' collection of about 500 paintings.

"Several of the pieces of art will be displayed in Hawaii for the first time, having just arrived from the Air Force Art Program Office at the Pentagon," said Dr. Timothy Keck, Pacific Air Forces command historian. Works of art by John Witt illustrating PACAF'shumanitarian efforts in tsunami relief for Operation Unified Assistance, alongwith Keith Ferris' "Air Force Memorial" painting depicting the recently completed memorial in Washington, D.C., will be among the many features of this art show, he said.

These paintings depict every era of aviation history, and portray combat and humanitarian missions around the world. To gain the perspective to create these works of art, aviation artists have deployed all over the world, including war zones during the Korean war, the Southeast Asia conflict, and in current combat operations to observe combat and humanitarian operations firsthand, noted the command historian.

"During the exhibit, at various times throughout the day, several of the wellknown Air Force artists and illustrators -- all of whom have works of art featured in this show -- will be available to talk with visitors and discuss their artwork." 

This unique public viewing of rarely seen art will be held in the Waikiki Ballroom of the Hale Koa Hotel, Thursday, Sept 13, from noon to 8:30 p.m.

It should also be noted that all of the artwork is donated by the artists to the Air Force Art program and the Air Force does not pay the artists for their generous gifts of time, materials and talents, explained Dr Keck. "Invited to bases across the OCONUS and worldwide, both in peace and during deployments, many of these famous artists and illustrators give of their time to represent the history and current operations of the United States Air Force," he said. 

"The artists' bravery, dedication and consummate skill has resulted in a collection that tells the story of generations of men and women who have served our nation along the Pacific frontier." 

For more information on Air Force Week Honolulu and a schedule of events go to http://www. pacaf. af. mil/ library/ airforceweekhonolulu/ index. asp