Find that buried treasure at the Arts and Crafts Center

Story and photo by Marissa-Ellen Patterson
86th Force Support Squadron marketing assistant


Make 2011 the year that you are going to finish that art project, complete that baby scrapbook, finish painting that ceramics piece or getting that picture framed.
The Arts and Crafts center is the buried treasure beneath the Northside Fitness Center. There you will find the craft store that sells art and craft supplies such as paint, ceramics, scrapbooking materials, stained glass, rubber stamps, paper and more.

“The Arts and Crafts Center offers much more than people in the area realize. There is a lot of talent within the staff and instructors here. We are here to share, demonstrate and assist anyone who is interested in classes or wanting to start a project at home,” said scrapbooking instructor Jessica Hines.

The engraving shop provides custom engraving on wood, glass and metal. Offering a large variety of acrylic plaques, wine tool sets, laser engraving, plates, wood plaques for license plates, village signs and more; the Arts and Crafts Center is the perfect place to explore your creative side. “The facility provides a great atmosphere for all your creative needs,” said Eric Krauss, Arts and Crafts Center manager.

Providing a variety of machines and tools and a staff to assist you with projects, the Wood Craft Center is a great place to polish your skills. There are several types of wood available including cherry, oak, mahogany and pine.

The “We’ve Been Framed” framing shop offers more than 100 different mattes and 300 different types of molding for your custom matting and framing needs. For your convenience there is a framing express lane, and a self-help framing station that provides everything to enhance your masterpiece. Monthly class schedules are available at the center and include ceramics, pottery, scrapbooking, framing, jewelry and much more.

“Anyone can come into the store and realize arts and crafts are not difficult, as I hear many people say ‘oh, I’m not artsy enough to do that.’ I strongly believe art is based on interpretation, and we are always our worst critics. Everyone can be an artist. It’s a great hobby and fantastic way to preserve all the precious moments in life,” Mrs. Hines said.

The Arts and Crafts center is always looking for ways to expand their classes. If anyone has a background in cake decorating, knitting, crochet or stained glass, contact them about becoming an instructor.

The Ramstein Arts and Crafts Center offers several classes and projects throughout the year. They are currently located in the basement of the Northside Fitness Center. To find out more about any of the programs offered, call 480-6534 or visit www.86thservices.com/Arts&Crafts.