Ramirez cut

Manny Ramirez readies to photograph aerial views of Chula Vista and the South Bay area.

Artisan receives art grant from Chula Vista

CORONADO, Calif. – Manny Ramirez, an instrument mechanic with NAVAIR Depot North Island here recently received a $2,500 grant from Chula Vista’s Cultural Arts Office for his work on aerial photography. The city’s Visual and Performing Arts task force based his selection on project administration capability, artistic merit, creativity, innovation, and community impact. This was his second grant from the city; he received one in May 2001.
Under the terms of his latest grant, Ramirez is to add to his archive of aerial photos featuring landscapes of Chula Vista and San Diego County’s South Bay area, especially its open space and wetland areas. The photos, taken regularly, will provide a resource of documentation and will be shared with the public at community forums, in libraries, museums and newspapers, and in community newsletters.
Ramirez’ style of photos gives viewers a three-dimensional and a more recognizable oblique perspective not found in satellite photos. His grant proposal is a 16-month calendar showing aerial views of Chula Vista. He takes photos from various types of aircraft including helicopters, gliders, and blimps. Since what he does serves the community and is not for profit, owners and pilots of the aircraft often offer their resources for free or for a minimal cost.
NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technologies through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts. From aircraft and weapons development to carrier launch and recovery; from sensors to real-time communications to precision targeting; from aircraft and weapons sustainment to state-of-the-art training; NAVAIR provides dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities to the American warfighter.

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