An artist in our midst

Published Jan. 20, 2010
By Senior Airman Clay Murray
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- When Chelsea Pankratz isn't serving as the 52nd Operations Support Squadron commander's secretary, she surrounds herself with brushes, easels, paints and pencils.

She is an artist, mostly focusing on work with watercolor acrylics and graphite.

"Usually I paint as a hobby of mine," Mrs. Pankratz said. "I typically work on special requests and paintings for my friends and even some others too.

Currently, Mrs. Pankratz is undertaking a mural job for the Airmen of the 52nd OSS. The mural will be completed on the dormitory walls housing the squadron's junior enlisted, and will highlight jobs from across the unit.

"It includes something from each of the flights - for example a satellite to represent weather - all on a background of Germany," she said.

She also works on smaller and more personal items, as well as leisure pieces. Soon to be finished, she has been working on a plaque for an upcoming retiree.

Her outside skill has been something she's been doing for years, but has only been able to focus on recently.

"After I retired from the military, I finished my degree in fine arts," Mrs. Pankratz said. "I've always had an interest in the arts, but never really had the time to do it. I actually used to teach painting classes on base, too, before I was hired for my current job."

Some would say talents like these often run in the family. The case with Mrs. Pankratz is no different; members of her family have taken a liking to several of the arts.

"I also came from a family of artists - my grandmother and aunt are photographers, and my father draws," she said.

Among the many profects Mr.s Pankratz has completed over the years, her favorite is one she painted a few years ago.

"(My most memorable piece) is one of my father, a portrait I did in 2006 that captures his personality very well," Mrs. Pankratz said. "I did it while working (in the reserve) during the summer and also for credit in a college course I was taking.

Mrs. Pankratz has ambitions and objectives she dreams of accomplishing with her work.

"(My only goal) is to have my work shown in a gallery. I couldn't even care less if I ever sell my work, but I really want to have my work displayed in a gallery," she said.

To see art by Mrs. Pankratz, keep a watchful eye on the 52nd OSS dormitory for the mural of the squadron mission she is finishing.