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Located on Stewart Avenue in building 637, the Arts and Crafts Center offers framing classes, space and equipment for the do-it-yourself framer while the custom framing program specializes in creating distinctive displays from precious children's art to heirloom photos, military shadowboxes and limited edition collector prints. A computerized mat cutter enables our experienced framers to include three-dimensional bevels, offset corners, ovals, circles, ribbons, shapes, designs, and more. Customized shadow boxes can include insets of squadron coins placed in mat cutouts, ribbons, patches, photos and flags to create a framed tribute commemorating years of civilian or military service. Our personalized memory boxes protect clothing, photos, glasses, jewelry, swords and other collector pieces to preserve remembrances of special occasions in anyone’s past. Conservation is key to the Center's experienced, helpful staff who use their knowledge and skill to build unique and lasting framed presentations.

Our custom award program uses a laser engraver to personalize metal plates, glass, acrylic and wood with names and sentiments. Our plaque selection includes solid walnut and laminates, marbleized plaques in black, and glossy cherry or black finish, as well as plaques in the shape of South Carolina. We also feature a large selection of clocks, pen sets, eagle heads and eagles in flight as well as awards for youth and adult sports. Our variety of pins and emblems include Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine, and Coast Guard insignia, scholar and sport pins, religious images, and quality and excellence pins. A large and small model of a C-17 and a C-141 crafted from Philippine mahogany are available, as well. The Sales Store also carries a selection of locally significant military aircraft prints and prints depicting life in military service.

Sewing machines are available for use at the Arts and Crafts Center for a minimal shop fee of $2.00 per hour.

Individual use of the Arts and Crafts Center for any purpose other than scheduled programs, classes or to work on class projects will incur the $2.00 per hour shop fee.

The Arts and Crafts Center offers a wide variety of youth and adult classes. Class programs include do-it-yourself picture framing, pottery, ceramics, drawing, painting, quilting, sewing, woodworking, auto care and maintenance, welding and more. Specialized classes are offered for home schooled children, spouse groups and girl and boy scouts. Contact the Center for more details on these special programs. Classes are offered in sessions, and may continue for several weeks depending on the subject matter, level of difficulty and the number of students. Instruction is provided either by staff or contract instructors, and space is available for students to practice or use the Center while completing their projects. The Center is always looking for new ideas and instructors to enhance our programs. Please contact the Center if interested in teaching or participating in a class. If a class is not currently being offered, a list is maintained with names and phone numbers of interested individuals. Our most up-to-date schedules will be listed on this website.

Auto Hobby Center Services & Equipment

The Auto Hobby Center is also located in the Arts & Crafts Complex on Stewart Avenue. Qualified mechanics are on staff to assist do-it-yourself customers with car care needs. The Center is comprised of 11 indoor stalls with five vehicle lifts and nine outdoor overhaul stalls for long term work. Machine shop services include brake rotor and drum turning, valve jobs, flywheel turning, hot dipping and sandblasting, bearing work, battery charging, and tire balancing. The staff perform wheel alignments, auto air conditioning evaluation and recharge for both R-12 and R-134 systems, and pull codes for engine troubles. We make keys!

Environmentally conscious, the Center is part of the Santee Cooper GOFER (Give Oil for Energy Recovery) program. Charleston AFB do-it-yourselfers contribute more than 6000 gallons of oil per year to the program through the Center's site. The oil-recycling site is located within the Center's gate and can be used during operational hours. Please do not leave containers at the gate when the Center is closed. Other recycling efforts in the Center include oil filter crushing, antifreeze, and freon. Recycled antifreeze is available for a nominal fee.

Vehicle Resale Lot

The Resale Vehicle Lot is located on Stewart Avenue next to the 315 CE building. Cars, boats, motorcycles, trailers, and campers may be sold on the lot. Registration is accepted at the Auto Hobby Center. Cost for the lot is a $ 3.50 fee per seven days. To register a vehicle the following information is needed:

• Current vehicle registration
• Current base vehicle sticker
• Current insurance card
• Current license plate on vehicle
• Good inflated tires on vehicle
• Placement in the registered numbered space
  

Car Wash

The Base Car Wash is located at the corner of Scott and Davis Drive. Four bays and two vacuum stations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bay four is large designed for washing RVs and buses. The wand wash system provides bubble brush soap, tire and engine cleaner, and wax for nominal fees. Vending machines have Armorall, glass wipes, and chamois cloths. Tokens are available for purchase the Arts & Crafts or Auto Hobby Centers. Squadrons may purchase tokens on IMPAC to wash official vehicles.