JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The Air Force Services Center is helping Airmen, Guardians and their families to build resiliency and morale by tapping into their creative sides through the Arts in the Force program.
Funded by the Department of Defense, the program aims to expand opportunities for service members and their families to engage in arts programs targeted for improved health and well-being.
"Operation Sole" Kicks Off Creativity in Style
Military participants at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston turned athletic shoes into artistic expression June 14 during “Operation Sole,” an Arts in the Force initiative.
Participants received a pair of all-white high-top Converse sneakers and were given access to an array of design elements, empowering them to create wearable art. The sold-out workshop, held at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Community Center, brought a unique shoe customization experience – usually found in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas – directly to military families.
"We picked 10 installations to receive the Los Angeles-based Shoe Surgeon customization program; this is the third program in the tour," explained Whitney Harris, a community programming specialist for AFSVC.
Airman 1st Class Teerawut Laokosakul, a Thailand native and biomedical equipment student, said the event was a much-needed break from the rigors of miltiary medical training.
"As students, we study very hard and events like this help us relax," Laokosakul said. "It helps me think out of the box and it’s good for my mental health."
A Broad Spectrum of Artistic Exploration
Arts in the Force is a two-phase program. The program's first phase offers six events at over 60 Air and Space Force installations, while Phase 2 provides grants to establish lasting relationships with local and state organizations. Phase 1 programs include:
Operation Sole – An interactive shoe customization program, facilitated by Shoe Surgeon, for participants ages 12 and up, where they can personalize a pair of high-top Converse shoes in a size of their choice.
Community Street Dance & Fitness Tour – Free 90-minute dance and fitness clinic featuring celebrity choreographer Nicole Kirkland and her team, for participants 14 and up.
Paint with Friends – Art events (Chakra Glow – Acrylic Flow Workshop, Headdress Workshop, Mandala Art, Paint with Your Date, Paint and Sip on Canvas, Resin Coaster and Tray, and Zombie and Halloween Special FX) hosted by multidisciplinary visual artists, Breanna Cooke and Anja Yamaji.
Pop Stage Musical Theater – Week-long theater program that includes auditions, vocals, choreography, technical theater and costumes, dress rehearsals and show day.
Different Strokes – Golf-focused paint and sip program hosted by multidisciplinary visual artists, Breanna Cooke and Anja Yamaji.
Lens & Landscapes – A comprehensive, 12-weekend photography and hiking workshop designed for beginner photographers ages 18 and up. DSLR cameras will be provided.
Phase two of Arts in the Force will provide up to $5,500 to each installation to bring an approved art program to their military community. The grant can be used for multiple events. Installations can request funding through the Central Programs Management System at https://cpms.afsv.net.