"Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Art: A Field Guide for 2017-18"
Traveling can be tough. But little things, like finding art installations and exhibitions, can make it a lot more enjoyable.
Next time your travels take you to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, allow some extra time to explore its many art offerings – in terminals, Sky Train stations, and the rental car center.
The airport's public art collection includes more than 900 works of contemporary art. Most are exhibited at Sky Harbor, though some are shown at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport and Phoenix Goodyear Airport. Artwork that's not on view is kept in storage.
Portable pieces, site-specific installations, and architectural enhancements are included in the collection, which was purchased with funds from the Phoenix Aviation Department administered by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.
The majority of the airport's exhibited works are displayed in pre-screening areas, so you can enjoy them without passing through security. And much of the art at Sky Harbor is available for public viewing 24 hours a day.
Exhibitions at Sky Harbor International Airport often feature work renowned Arizona artists who work in painting, sculpture, photography, and several additional media. Here’s a guide to help you find your way to the airport’s art.
Sky Harbor Terminals
Terminal 2 is home to The Phoenix, a 1962 mixed-media work by Paul Coze. Comprising three panels and made with 52 different materials, the 16-by-75-foot mural depicts early Arizona inhabitants and industries.
You’ll also find “A Grand Ride: Photographs by Tom Brownold” in the pre-security section of Terminal 2. The exhibition explores the role of mules as means of transport for people and goods during the last 100 years in the Grand Canyon. It continues through summer 2018.
Terminal 3 art is undergoing some changes due to remodeling. Look for “Nature’s Materials: Fiber and Wood Art” in a gallery located past the security checkpoint on Level 4. It includes pieces by several artists who work with wool, silk, cotton, and wood – using techniques including weaving, quilting, and fabric collage. The exhibition continues through February 4, 2018.
Look for two more exhibitions while you're in Terminal 3, including "American Organic Architecture in Arizona: The Heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright," which is located before the security checkpoint. Once you pass through security, check out "Stories from a Local Community: Paintings by Frank Ybarra."
Terminal 4 is where you’ll find the Phoenix Airport Museum Gallery, which is showing “Art of the Ride” from November 18, 2017 to May 28, 2018. The exhibition reflects Arizona’s role as a cultural mecca for motorcycle biker communities. Exhibited works range from paintings to embellished bike parts. Take note, night owls and early birds — this gallery (located on Level 3) is only open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Several additional exhibitions are on view on Level 3.
You’ll find work by 35 emerging and established artists in eight display cases on the east and west ends. They’re all members of the Arizona Artists Guild, which was founded in 1928. These artists work in several media, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, fiber art, and printmaking. Featured artists include Lynda Burruss, Jules Gissler, Tess Mosko Scherer, Constance McBride, and Ann Osgood. The “Arizona Artists Guild Celebrating 90 Years” exhibition continues through May 13, 2018.
Head to the center of the terminal, near the food court, to explore “At Work in Arizona.” The exhibition includes photographs from Arizona’s first 100 years, curated by fine art photographer Marilyn Szabo. The images explore several sectors of the Arizona economy, such as mining, transportation, agriculture, the arts, and retail sales. It continues through April 1, 2018.
If you're traversing the International Walkway, linger a bit to enjoy the exhibition titled "Saguaro: Giants of the Arizona Landscape."
