Ian LaBlance, NMAS Exhibit Specialist accepting the 1st Place Award in the “Most Artistic” category of the Naval Station Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department’s Annual Holiday Card Challenge.
Ian LaBlance, NMAS Exhibit Specialist accepting the 1st Place Award in the “Most Artistic” category of the Naval Station Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department’s Annual Holiday Card Challenge.

On December 7, 2018, National Museum of the American Sailor’s Exhibit Specialist, Ian LaBlance accepted the 1st Place Award in the “Most Artistic” category of the Naval Station Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department’s Annual Holiday Card Challenge.

Prizes were awarded in four categories. Viewers on the MWR Great Lakes Facebook page had the chance to vote for the category of “People’s Choice Award.” NMAS’ entry depicting the reflection of the Station’s historic Building 1 on red and green glass ornaments received some flattering comments like, “This is truly beautiful” and “Is this printed or painted, it looks so real.”

LaBlance also won an award for “Most Unique Boat” for the Facilities Building Manager Assistants in his previous position at NAVSTA Great Lakes in MWR’s Cardboard Boat Regatta in August 2018. Prior to that Ian served 22 years as an Electronics Technician (ET) and retired from the Naval Reserve in 2015. LaBlance brought his technical skills and artistic talents to the National Museum of the American Sailor in October 2018.

Thank you to MWR and the panel of judges that voted for the Museum’s entry in this year's Naval Station Great Lakes Holiday Card Challenge. We truly enjoyed being a part of this contest and we hope to take home the "Most Artistic" Holiday Card Award next year as well!


This painting of NSGL's Building 1 reflecting in ornaments won the “Most Artistic” category of the Naval Station Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department’s Annual Holiday Card Challenge.
This painting of NSGL's Building 1 reflecting in ornaments won the 2018 “Most Artistic” category of the Naval Station Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department’s Annual Holiday Card Challenge.


Ian LaBlance creating the award winning card.
NMAS Exhibit Specialist, Ian LaBlance creating the award winning card.