Chances are, if you are reading this and decide to take a leadership role in hosting an Art For the Sky program in your region, then you will become one of several Sky Captains during the project. Sky Captains are adults who take a leadership role during the creation of the image. They are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL in an easeful and successful project.

      Each project needs from 5 to 10 Sky Captains depending on the complexity of the image and number of participants. Generally, these are parent volunteers and school personnel who aren't responsible for a particular class such as counselors, student aids, lunch ladies, etc.. No particular skill is needed besides a passion to be a special part of the event . . .the more "directorial" the better! Sometimes a Sky Captain will help during the first day set up on the field but the most important time they are needed is during the event itself.

      On Event Day each Sky Captain takes responsibility for a particular assigned region of the design based on color and size of students.  They guide participants in to their designated area and instruct them to stand in rows, shoulder to shoulder, arms length apart, facing the bottom of the image. With the help of teachers whom they've also instructed, they watch over their "flock" throughout the event. Time and time again, the most successful images and art experiences for everyone comes down to having a good crew of Sky Captains overseeing organization on the field.

      A very important duty for a special sort of Sky Captain is that of being an on the ground photographer during the event, roaming around with their camera getting those special candid shots that really capture the joy, excitement and adventure of each event. Two or three talented "Sky Captain Photographers" are always desired. Their images are downloaded after the event for inclusion in the project film and add tremedoulsy to the power and emotion of these films! All images shot with phone cameras, should be horizontal. Their images provide a lifetime record of the project and they are credited in the film. See some of their wonderful pictures on SkyFaces.

      To all the Sky Captains I have worked with over the years, like those above from the Big Medicine project in Montana, I send you my Great Gratitude for none of these projects could have happened without your very valuable and passionate collaboration. You all are a model of how to accomplish the seemingly impossible when we all collaborate together with one vision in mind.
                                             T H A N K  Y O U !