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Air University library art exhibit celebrates creativity, builds relationships

  • Published
  • By Phil Berube
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala --  

Back in 1973, a collection of local artist Joanne Staley’s macrame designs were on display in the Air University library. Now, 50 years later, some of her compositions are back on display in the now-named Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center.

Staley, whose husband at the time was a military instructor at Air Command and Staff College, is one of nearly 20 local artists putting their creativity on display at the Community Art Show. The show opened April 7 and continues until Aug. 1, 2023.

With more than 50 pieces of differing disciplines on display, the library director said she’s sure that there is something that will attract even the most discerning art lover.

This photo ran in the base newspaper, the Dispatch, in 1973. After 50 years, some of artist Joanne Staley’s macrame collection is back on display at the Community Art Show at the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The exhibit opened April 7 and runs until Aug. 1, 2023.

This photo ran in the base newspaper, the Dispatch, in 1973. After 50 years, some of artist Joanne Staley’s macrame collection is back on display at the Community Art Show at the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The exhibit opened April 7 and runs until Aug. 1, 2023. (Courtesy photo)
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Local Artist Community Art Show At Maxwell AIr Force Base 7 April , bildg 1405 foyer

Local artist Joanne Staley’s pieces are on display at the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center, to include some macrame pieces that were part on an exhibition on base 50 years ago. Nearly 20 artists have some of their work on display at the Community Art Show at the FRIC. The show runs through Aug. 1, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Darius Hutton)
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"We’re thrilled to highlight the diverse talent and creative collectivity of local artists working in various disciplines and media,” said Dr. Stephanie Rollins. “The lines, shapes, forms, space, texture and colors displayed in pottery, paintings, sculpture, sketches, quilts, mixed media and jewelry ensures there is something for everyone to view and appreciate.”

There’s no better place, she said, to hold an art show than in a place devoted to research and history.

“Our commitment to art is rooted in our library’s history, and an art show is a way to display living, creative research,” Rollins said. “In addition, it draws in the local and Maxwell community and is a public gathering space to connect, exchange creativity and develop partnerships.”

Maxwell AFB, Ala. - Local Artist Community Art Show At Maxwell AIr Force Base 7 April , bildg 1405 foyer (U. S. Air Force photo by Darius Hutton)

Artist Curbie Toles creates a patriotic piece with the 42nd Air Base Wing shield as its focal point during the opening of the Community Art Show exhibition at the Muir S. Fairchild Research Information Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., April 7, 2023. Toles is one of about 18 local artists with their work on display at the show, which closes Aug. 1, 2023.(U.S. Air Force photo by Darius Hutton)
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Building community and lasting connections through the medium of art is at the heart of hosting the show on Maxwell.

"It's great to see the team provide a forum for the local community and eliminate some of those artificial barriers that exist between the base and the city. Art is an awesome vehicle for communication," said Dr. Mehmed Ali, Air University Academic Services director.

The art exhibit replaces the display celebrating the Community College of the Air Force’s 50th anniversary. The next exhibit will focus on 3-D printing technology. To “see” some of the center’s past exhibits, visit Women in the Air Force and  Maxwell and the Civil Rights Movement.