Meet Peggy Ferris – a driving force behind Keith Ferris’s work and success as an artist. Peggy’s creative insights, unwavering support, attention-to-detail, and expertise played a pivotal role in the artwork displayed across the portfolio. She was instrumental in the foundation of the American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA) – showcasing 40+ creatives from the USA, UK, Canada, France, Switzerland, and more. After attending nearly four decades of yearly ASAA Foruns, Mrs. Ferris became highly involved with the United States Air Force – visiting military bases and forging relationships around the world. In addition to being an “Artist’s Wife,” Peggy was a passionate teacher, revered basketball coach, and life-long sports fan.
The Story Of The Warthog
The A-10 was/is officially christened the “Thunderbolt II” – named after the iconic World War II fighter the P-47 Thunderbolt. The P-47, though, because it was large, tough, and could drop bombs and strafe as well as fight in air-to-air combat soon became the “Jug” to its pilots. Along those same perceptions, the A-10 became the “Warthog” to its pilots.
But USAF “leadership” did not take kindly to the Warthog tag. USAF “leadership” wanted nicer, more “correct” names for the airplanes. For example, the USAF conducted seven “name the F- 111” contests. Each time the name “Aardvark” won, and the results were discarded. The F-111 never did get an “official” name. So “Warthog” was not liked.
Ergo, USAF “leadership” formerly banned the name “Warthog” for the A-10. “Warthog” or just “Hog” could not be used on any publication, checklist, or document concerning the A-10. At Davis-Monthan AFB, the home of all basic A-10 training, a huge sign on one of the buildings said, “Welcome to Warthog Country.” That was sandblasted away. The A-10 was going to be the Thunderbolt II and nothing else!!
Marrying An Artist?
An original memoir from Peggy Ferris herself, highlighting her father’s reaction to her marrying Keith Ferris – an artist. The note highlights his concerns about the unconventional, sometimes-unstable artist lifestyle. Throughout the piece, Peggy describes Keith’s fascination with aviation, airplanes, artwork, and military history – leading to her dad’s eventual acceptance and understanding of the art world. The document concludes with a reflection, and a comparison to what could have been different. Explore the different backgrounds, opinions, and initial reservations that come with marrying into the art world.
