5th FSS: Gets creative

  • Published
  • By Airmen 1st class Dillon J. Audit
  • 5th Bomb Wiing Public Affairs

Cheyenne Butler, 5th Force Support Squadron custom framer, has worked at the Arts and Crafts Center for about two and a half years and has been a custom framer for over a year.

“I frame and work on all kinds of things from shadow boxes to personal artwork,” said Butler. “I also help around the shop whenever it’s needed.”

The Arts and Crafts Center engraves and puts together most of the awards given out during quarterly and annual awards events on base.

“We do embroidery, t-shirt printing, engraving, awards, going away gifts, family photos and other personal effects,” said butler. “I’ve done a million different things during my time being here.”

Butler stated that some people don’t know they exist, so the Arts and Crafts Center tries to advertise on several local Minot Facebook pages.

“Our busiest times are during quarterly and annual awards,” said Butler. “We have five employees working constantly.”

Butler and the rest of the staff aren’t allowed to tell anyone who the award winners are until they’ve received their award.

“It’s nice to know you have a part in making something for people that have worked hard,” said Butler.

Kristina Heisler, 5th FSS assistant manager, helps manage the Arts and Crafts Center shares the same feelings as Butler.

“We pretty much do what the customer wants and it feels pretty cool,” said Heisler. “I like to see how happy people get.”

Aside from awards, the Arts and Crafts Center also offers framing classes, wine and paint classes and a creative kids class.

“People come to learn and some to just hang out, relax or explore their creative side,” said Butler. “My favorite part of the job is trying to figure things out on my own,” said Butler. “There’s a process to follow but when someone brings something you’ve never done before, you have to think outside the box.”