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 (AFPN) --  "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 to 15.  Plans for the art exhibit in honor of the Air Force's 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, PACAF command historian. 

Works of art by John Witt illustrating PACAF's humanitarian efforts in tsunami relief for Operation Unified Assistance, along with 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 and the Southeast Asia conflict and in current combat operations, to observe combat and humanitarian operations firsthand, said the command historian.
 
"During the exhibit, at various times throughout the day, several of the well-known 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 also should 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, Dr. Keck said. 

"Invited to bases ... 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." 

Air Force Week Honolulu begins September 7 with a proclamation from the city mayor. From September 7 to 15, the week will include a variety of activities: visits to schools and talks by senior Air Force officials to civic and business organizations; art exhibits and displays to provide an "up close and personal" look at the Air Force men and women serving on the front lines; and performances by "Tops in Blue" at the Waikiki Shell and by the "Thunderbirds" along the Waikiki coastline. These events will be free and open to the public.

The PACAF Web site has more information on Air Force Week Honolulu and a schedule of events.

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