Since his 2013 retirement from NASA, Alan Ladwig remains engaged in space-related ventures. However, the majority of his time is devoted to the creation of space folk art. After four decades of working within the confines of government and corporate hierarchies, congressional oversight, budget-driven decision-making, and partisan politics, Ladwig is reveling in the ability to achieve expeditious gratification through his art. He especially enjoys the freedom to pursue unbridled and unrestrained self-expression without seeking approval of higher authorities. Although he had no formal art training, Alan taught himself to communicate through stained glass, ceramics, and found-art sculptures, tin mosaics, and mobiles. His found-art creations have been compared to folk and outsider art and are usually associated with a space and nautical themes. These days his primary venues include Galactic Retablos, Space Ambassadors, Tin Mosaics, Space Shrines, and Cozumel Kinetic Mobiles.Alan’s works have been displayed at NASA Headquarters, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the European Space Agency, the United Arab Emirates Space Agency, the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, the Los Angeles Children’s Museum, the Gallery Clarendon, Falls Church Art and shows sponsored by the Lake Barcroft Art League, of which he is a member.Alan is also the author of “See You in Orbit? Our Dream of Spaceflight,” a comprehensive history of the goal of space tourism.