Humphreys Family member shares artistic talents by providing free classes

By Steven Hoover, USAG Humphreys Public AffairsMarch 28, 2011

ASHLEY1
Ashley Robles discusses how to put some finishing touches to the nose Luana Erickson has sculpted out of clay during a recent class at the Art and Crafts Center. For more information about the classes offered, call 753-6706. - U.S. Army photo by Stev... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea - After recently receiving a slight nudge from someone in her Family Readiness Group, Ashley Robles decided it was time to share her artistic talents with the Humphreys community by offering free classes at the Arts and Crafts Center, inside the Community Activity Center.

Ashley, the wife of Spc. Nelson Robles, assigned to the 520th Maintenance Company, began teaching the early afternoon classes a couple of weeks ago and has been pleased with how they have been received thus far.

"I originally had four students for the drawing class," Ashley said. "Then I mentioned the sculpting class and they seemed interested in that as well."

That interest has blossomed into a third, an oil painting class that will begin May 2, from 3 to 5 p.m., also at Arts and Crafts. The class is free but there will be a cost of $100 for materials: six brushes, a set of 10 oil color paints, Turpenoid Natural brush cleaner, an 18"x 24" canvas board, palette knife and palette.

Although she said teaching classes is not something that she would probably do if she were living Stateside, Ashley decided that she needed something more than being home most of the time and helping the FRG with special events.

"I hated being home all of the time, which was making me dislike being in Korea," she said. "But, one day somebody told me that they saw in Happenings that the CAC was looking for instructors. At first, I didn't think it was something I wanted to do. But, here I am."

She said that she has been encouraged by those who have seen her previous works and she relishes hearing somebody say that they could never do something like that. Her answer to them is, "Why can't you' It's just a matter of allowing yourself to. If you want to do something bad enough, you'll find a way to do it."

Ashley, a native of Lancaster, Pa., studied at the Douglas Education Center, in Pittsburgh, where she received an associate's degree in specialized business. While in school, she studied under Hollywood special effects makeup artist veterans such as Jerry Gergely (Babylon 5, Dawn of the Dead, Creep Show); Will Ritter (Pirates of the Caribbean); and Dorian Clevenger, a famous air brush artist. She also credits time spent with Dick Smith (The Exorcist and many more), who she says is considered like the "godfather" of special effects makeup, as her inspiration when it comes to sculpting.

The drawing class is on Tuesdays, starting at 1 p.m., while the sculpting class is at the same time on Thursdays. The classes are scheduled for an hour, but they can run longer depending on the schedule of the students.

"I think it's wonderful that she is volunteering her time to teach these classes," said Luana Erickson. "I think we are very fortunate to have classes like this offered."

For more information about the classes, call Arts and Crafts at 753-6706. To view some of Ashley's work, go to https://www.facebook.com/AshArts.