JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
The Society of Illustrators hosted a public sketch night with the 87th Security Forces Squadrons military working dogs and their handlers at the Society of Illustrators Museum in New York, Aug. 30.
Established in 1981, the society is the oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of illustration in America and held the K-9 sketch night to promote a good relationship between military and the outside community.
When the society first collaborated with the Air Force to bring together the two communities and lifestyles, most of the artwork was focused on the aircraft. The Air Force is made up of countless different career fields.
“About six years ago I decided to shift the focus of the exhibits we had for the military,” said Miller. “I felt that the public would react more positively if they saw the humanitarian side of the military. Years ago the exhibits held here were about the planes and hardware and I chose to focus it more on the people.”
Miller redirected the attention of the exhibits to better compliment the society’s mission in promoting the art of illustration by appreciating history and evolving nature through exhibitions, lectures and education, and to contribute the service of its members to the welfare of the community at large.
“We hold exhibitions here every two years of the art that was created by our members from their time with the Air Force,” said Anelle Miller, The Society of Illustrators executive director. “Once the artists are finished with their work, the artwork is donated to the Air Force. There are now about 9,000 pieces of art in their collection and are displayed at military bases around the world.”
Miller coordinated with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s 87th SFS to bring in two or three K-9s and their handlers to be subjects of the sketches while they talked about the military and answered questions the artist had.
Victor Juhasz, 64, an artist from Albany, NY, said that service members sharing their stories gave the public more of a connection with the military. He was fascinated to hear first-hand accounts of what their military is doing for this country.
Since the change, the museum has had an increased turnout of participants for the sketch night.
“This is a very fun event for everyone to do,” said Juhasz. “I hope we continue this because it’s a nice change of pace and a huge learning experience for those of us who don’t know the military lifestyle.”