Indianapolis, Indiana — According to a news statement from the Indianapolis Airport Authority, the airport will soon have a new piece of permanent art. The artwork will be the first exhibit to remain in place since 2008.
Brenna McCarty, a student at IUPUI’s Herron School of Art and Design, will be the artist. She’ll make a hanging sculpture that stands for harmony and interconnectedness on a worldwide scale.
“We are honored to have been able to collaborate with The International Center and to showcase our students’ talent to the rest of the world, with IND serving as the center stage,” said Greg Hull, dean of the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI.
The artwork will be located above the escalators and steps that lead to the terminal’s baggage claim area.
“Public art gives communities a stronger sense of identity, and creativity drives collaboration and opportunity – and this installation is a perfect example of that,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez.
The work of art by McCarty, titled Blue Skies, will be made up of hundreds of acrylic spheres that have been painted with various shades of blue.
“I flew in and out of the Indy airport for five years working across the world after high school, and the Indy airport became a second home to me,” said McCarty. “I see it as a place of both coming home and also new adventure, and that’s a feeling I want to spark in others when they encounter the [art] installation.”
The artwork also commemorates the 50th anniversary of unity and international connectivity at The International Center. The Indianapolis Airport Authority and the International Center collaborate to “uplift the creative economy,” according to IAA. Through a range of varied programs and services, including art, the International Center aims to increase Indiana’s interest in other countries.
“From our start in 1973, The Center has worked to make all feel welcome in our global state,” said Martin Baier, president and chief executive officer of The International Center. “We wanted to gift a piece of art to the community to convey that welcoming value. We couldn’t think of a better place to display the art than our wonderful airport, the gateway of Hoosier hospitality.”
The performance of Blue Skies is scheduled for the fall.
