Arts and Crafts offers something for everyone Published Aug. 20, 2009 By Nick DeCicco 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- When Capt. Sean Maday needed a going-away present, he found himself roaming the main hallway in Travis' Arts and Crafts Center. He wasn't sure exactly what he needed or what he wanted, but it was something that would preserve the memory of time served at the California military installation. When he mentioned photographs, he was pointed to the framing shop. There, he met Tricia Jagger and Rena Phillips, a two-person staff with more than 30 years experience. If a member of the Travis community wants to hang it on a wall, the framing shop can probably do it, Ms. Jagger said. "We frame everything from photographs to jerseys to swords," she said. The shop offers more than types of 500 moldings and six different types of glass. The bulk of their work is for various squadrons on the base, helping enhance the decorations in their hallways or meeting rooms. Ms. Jagger said the frame shop also has done work with the passenger terminal and the hospital. Furthermore, they produce shadowboxes for retirees. "We're there to meet your needs. We're not a cookie cutter operation," Mr. Vigil said. "We are hidden, we are out of the way, but we're worth coming to." The shop also carries the work of local artists for framing pictures or paintings to help customers such as Captain Maday, but likes a challenge, Ms. Phillips said. "We help customers keep their memories special," Ms. Jagger said. Ms. Jagger said putting together shadowboxes is enjoyable for the chance to hear stories from the soon-to-retire regarding their 20- or 30-year careers. "Every person who comes in (for one) has a story," she said. "It's fun to explore that." Part of the frame shop's duties is taking orders for the embroidery shop, too. The center's embroidering business is a relatively new venture -- just more than a year as its own office. Brice Guyer, the shop's embroiderer, handles requests that run the gamut from hats, T-shirts and jackets to line numbers on patches, Ms. Jagger said. Though the shop is relatively new, the design books offer more than 5,000 possibilities and more than 200 colors of thread, as well as ribbons and other embellishments to help add an extra touch. The shop is planning on a busy Halloween season, Ms. Jagger said. Last year, Ms. Guyer embroidered a number of bags for Halloween trick-or-treaters and hopes to do even more this year. On the bags, Ms. Jagger said parents can do "pretty much whatever you want." In addition to the frame and embroidery shops, the Arts and Crafts Center also hosts shops for woodworking, sublimation, engraving and trophies as well as hosting an auto hobby center. Classes also are offered in oil printing, acrylics, basketweaving and sewing. Later this fall, there are plans for a self-framing room. The Arts and Crafts Center is located at the corner of First Street and Suisun Avenue, Bldg. 226. For more information, call 424-2929. HOURS Auto Hobby Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Engraving/Framing Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday Embroidery Monday though Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Orders taken in frame shop Closed Saturday and Sunday Wood Shop Wednesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday All shops are closed on holidays