Arts and Crafts Center gets a facelift Published June 21, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Tired of running around town to sand down your tabletop, align your car tires or frame that painting you recently finished? With the reopening of the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Arts and Crafts Center June 27, 2011, Team Dover members can do these things and more all in one stop. After receiving a facelift, the new center, located at Building 476, features a auto shop and waiting room, an art gallery and numerous studios. It also offers facilities for various fine arts, including woodworking, pottery, framing, sewing, lathing, engraving, and jewelry making. "This center has new everything," said Xan Salas, 436th Force Support Squadron director of arts and crafts. "We're expecting a lot of people to come by to enjoy our services." The opening of the new center will be commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Col. Mark Camerer, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and renown artist Paul Rendel. The center's art gallery will feature Mr. Rendel's work. In addition to new facilities, the center features an expert staff. These skilled instructors offer classroom instruction to children and adults interested in taking courses on various fine arts. These classes can be found on the Dover Air Force Base Services website. Classes range from $10 - $80. However, the classrooms are not strictly for staff use. Studios, complete with tools and equipment, are available for rent for less than $5 per hour. The art gallery is also available for locals to display their artwork. "We have excellent equipment, tools and facilities at a price that beats most retailers," said Ms. Salas. "Plus, the materials and finished work stay in the building to keep it safe and secure." This is especially important for people planning to make use of the new auto shop. The revamped Auto Hobby Shop features 15 bays and a motorcycle lift, in addition to a three-bay car wash. Wrenches, ratchets and other tools are available for use. Bays can be rented for $3 per hour. The shop is staffed by experienced mechanics who offer general automotive instruction and advice. "The auto shop gives customers the option to pay for automotive services or do it themselves," said Ms. Salas. "Tire alignment, brake adjustments, welding, and oil changes are some of the services offered at the auto shop." After two years of remodeling and updating, the center offers a wide-variety of opportunities for all Team Dover members. Yet the list of classes and services offered is far from complete. With an ever-changing schedule of events and services, there will always be something new at the Arts and Crafts Center.