Gerald O. Young 
Helicopter Operations Facility 

Museum exhibit fabrication sales liaison,  creative direction of the helicopter sculpture and acoustic photo wall

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My client was the 1st Helicopter squadron which included members of the flight and technical support team. This squadron's mission is to airlift high-ranking Executive Branch, dignitaries, military leaders and other VIPs. Only VIPS and staff would be allowed in this facility. I visualized telling their story though their new 2 floor facility in an inspiring, dramatic way to match their mission. 

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In addition to selling the entire 2 floor project which was based on a host of physical and interactive creative ideas (total budget $859,000.00). I developed the initial mood board and proposal for the sale. Once the project was won, I managed and collaborated with the creative team on this project, controlled the budgets and guided the development of all the features through the phases of design, fabrication and install in the 2 floor space with a team of designers, artists, fabricators, vendors and installers.  

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The Gerald O. Young helicopter exhibits included covered 2 floors of exhibits including a dedication zone with timeline and life like mannequin of hero, Gerald O. Young; an iconic 17 foot custom sculpted helicopter hanging in the atrium, an auditorium with photo acoustic panels and video timeline wall, a heritage lounge with memorabilia evoking the golden age of flight, custom wood work and new kitchen,  exhibit panels in 5 staff briefing rooms, a 65 inch touch-table with custom programming, artifact cases and labels, custom award exhibits,  chain of command leadership displays and lettering on the exterior brick building. 
 

In addition to my duties as the museum liaison, I also creative directed and project managed certain highly artistic components of the production.  One was a 17 ft. abstract helicopter sculpture that I visualized to captivate the imaginations of staff and visitors in the main hall. It would thematically unify all the facility exhibits and serve as an icon for the museum.  An interior art piece was an unusual decorative component for this military client and required I support the stakeholders with special attention  to make everyone feel comfortable going forward with the artful and dramatic vision I had in mind. I supervised the entire budget for all components in the 2 floor museum and during this process, strategically protected the art budget for this specific piece so that my vision would be ensured.

My idea to install a sculpture in the atrium was inspired by the pre-existing wrap around staircase, which I imagined would allow the viewer to approach it from many angles and peer into it as they climbed to the second floor.  I selected the artist to create this inspirational piece.  I also directed the creation of a sculptural acoustic wall for the auditorium. The sculptural acoustic wall was created though the use of the clients photography applied on dimensional shapes that enlivened the space while buffering the sound. 

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As of result of the work on this project, the Andrew's Air Force Base Wing Commander was extremely impressed and referred our team to Air Force One. He noted first among the exhibits, the impressive hanging helicopter sculpture.