Aviano artistry: Helping Wyverns explore creativity

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Passion and inspiration are two words which differ in meaning, but fall hand-in-hand when producing art. While U.S. Air Force Airmen are groomed to be an "Airman first," they are also encouraged to get involved with other activities to improve their morale.

Two community groups Airmen can join are the Aviano Photo Club and the Aviano Community Theatre, where individuals are offered the chance to foster their inner creativity.

"Theater is everything. It is life, it is death, it's a celebration of anything and everything that people dare to dream," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Erica Blanton, American Forces Network broadcast journalist. "It is liberating and truthful and what I love most about theater is for one moment in the span of an act, a play or even a musical, every person in the room is reacting and living together. You can feel the magic."

Like Blanton, who has been passionate for theater since childhood, Tiffany Cleveland, 31st Force Support Squadron academic advisor, also carries an inspiration for photography from her younger years.

"I have been interested in photography for as long as I can remember and I've been shooting consistently for over ten years," she said. "I fell in love with photography as a child. My mom shot [with] an old Canon camera, I loved the way the shutter sounded, the vintage strap, the black and white memories imprinted on the film and how passionate she was about shooting."

Blanton and Cleveland encourage those interested to join the Aviano Photo Club and the Aviano Community Theatre to gain skills and a community that will provide mentorship and support when needed.

"You will hear theater people say that theater is family, and that is true," said Blanton.  "It is a safe place to meet new people and grow as a person, regardless of your theater experience."

Although auditioning for a role or learning how to use unfamiliar equipment may seem daunting, both groups work with their members to improve.

"The goal of the photo club is to support and teach photographers at every level," said Cleveland. "We motivate one another to shoot and help each other with new tips all the time."

Additionally, Cleveland expressed her passion for helping others discover their love for photography.

"I love shooting and teaching others," she said. "My favorite part is [seeing someone] understand how their camera works, their eyes light up and they say, 'Ohhh.' Photography is a lifelong journey; I get to be a part of that."

The photo club meets for a short lesson, then put into practice what they've learned. In addition to the monthly meeting, members participate in photo contests and 30-day challenges to help motivate them.

"The 30-day photo challenge helps improve member's exposure and composition skills by allowing them to practice every day for a month," said Cleveland. "It is interesting to see different people's perspective of the same theme. There are endless possibilities."

For those interested in stepping into the limelight or simply turning it on, the Aviano Community Theatre offers a range of roles to discover.

"There are many opportunities for each show," said Blanton. "There are options open like set design, props or acting. It is wonderful to see people grow: starting out in an area they don't know and excelling. It's a great place to find yourself and figure out what you want to do."

Apart from improving technique, both groups offer its members an opportunity decompress in their personal lives.

"It is liberating to learn new things and meet new people who are having fun and genuinely loving what they do. That energy is infectious and it even carries into other areas of your life," Blanton explained. 

Both clubs strive to provide an outlet for Team Aviano members; but none will benefit unless they explore these opportunities. 

"I hope, everyone who's interested joins us," said Cleveland. "We don't want anyone to feel intimidated by the other photographers and their equipment. We love teaching basic photo classes, so come out even if you only have a point-and-shoot camera or a smart phone. Equipment can do amazing things if you know how to use them."

Blanton also encourages Wyverns to get involved.

"We need and would love to have more people. Don't let nerves scare you from getting involved," said Blanton. "I definitely wish I would have [participated] sooner [because] the group here is amazing."

For more information and to get involved with the Aviano Photo Club or the Aviano Community Theatre, find them on Facebook under their namesake.