Space, still the new frontier

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

The Star Wars-themed art show at Frame of Mind was a big success.

Wayne Grant

News Editor

I remember my first flight in a spaceship. Well, OK, it was a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, but after watching Han Solo in the first Stars Wars film in 1977, it felt like I was evading the Galactic Empire’s attack ships as I darted and dodged through the movie theater parking lot.

There was something about the film that touched the nation. Living in our cubicle world, the lure of space adventure was irresistible. And the franchise has lasted from the disco days of the 1970s to … well … a new movie is coming out in December.

The continued popularity of the genre was evident at Frame of Mind, 23 W. Granada Blvd., on May 9. An art show, called “The Force, the Art Show of the Millennium,” featured art of the genre by local artists, mostly from Ormond Beach.

It was the first art show by owner Victoria Jones, and it attracted a large crowd. She said she plans to have more shows in the future.

People in costume milled about. While some were artists and guests, others were members of two costume clubs that help events raise money for charity, 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs. The charity benefited by the event was the Sunshine Foundation.

One of the Mercs, Ben Faircloth, of Palm Coast, said he enjoys interacting with all ages at the events.

“It’s a great franchise,” he said. “It spans the generations.”

One of the artists exhibiting their work was Annabelle Grace, of Palm Coast. Her mother, Michele, said her daughter had no choice but to be a Star Wars fan.

“We’re a Star Wars family,” she said.

Cait Blais, of New Smyrna Beach, said she had been watching Star Wars movies since before she could even remember because her mother had VHS tapes. At first glance, it didn’t seem like she was in costume, because she was wearing a ballet skirt and a cap that looked like R2D2.

“I’m R2 tutu,” she said.

So, as much as the generations blame each other for society’s problems, and each claim their age group is the best, there is a thread that runs through the years and our lives. It's in a galaxy that's not that far, far away.