Hear From Artists Featured in Pittsburgh International Airport’s New Terminal

Every piece of public art has a story.

For the recently completed artwork in Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal, some began as a sketch in a studio. Others were inspired by a community, a landscape or a personal journey.

Now, the public can hear those stories directly from the artists themselves.

Through PIT’s Art in the Airport Program, the airport is presenting a free series of talks titled “Meet the Artists,” which will offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative minds responsible for the terminal’s new public art collection.

PIT has always incorporated art as an integral part of the passenger journey and continues this tradition with 15 permanent commissions as part of the new terminal construction. The new works, created by a diverse group of local, national, and international artists, are exhibited at more than 30 locations throughout the transformed terminal spaces, offering passengers an immersive and distinctly Pittsburgh welcome. From large-scale installations to curated exhibits, the expanded program reflects both the city’s industrial heritage and its forward-looking creative energy.

Each Meet the Artists talk will feature artists and the team that made it happen. Attendees will learn about the inspiration behind each installation, the challenges of creating art for a major public space, and the role art plays in shaping the traveler’s experience. Each presentation concludes with a question-and-answer session, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with the artists. The sessions are presented and moderated by Keny Marshall, PIT’s Arts and Culture manager, and Public Art Consultant Renee Piechocki.

The schedule includes:

July 21

• Chris Craychee, Pittsburgh, (“Surrounding Waterways”)
• Fredy Huaman Mallqui, Erie, Pa. (“Connections”)
• Susan Narduli, Los Angeles, (“Immersion: A Pittsburgh Sound Portrait”)

Aug. 4

• Christine Lorenz, Pittsburgh, (“On a Molecular Level”)
• Patrick Marold, Boulder, Colo. (“Open Columns”)
• Njaimeh Njie, Baltimore, (“Looking Up From Here”)
• John Peña, Pittsburgh, (“Luggage Thoughts”)

Aug. 18

• Lori Hepner, Pittsburgh, (“Something About The Sky”)
• Carolina Loyola-Garcia, Pittsburgh, (“Fractal Dance in Transit Gardens”)
• Clayton Merrell, Pittsburgh, (“Forest Floor”)
• Sharmistha Ray, Pittsburgh, (“All That Burns Brightly, Cosmic Flow and The Trees are The Forest”)

Sept. 1

• Kim Beck, Pittsburgh, (“Touchstones”)
• Adam Kuby, Portland, Ore. (“Cross Currents”)
• Ramon Riley, Pittsburgh, (“Look Up”)
• Alisha B. Wormsley, Pittsburgh, (“Portals”)

Sept. 15

• Keny Marshall, Arts and Culture manager, Pittsburgh International Airport
• Alex Taylor, University of Pittsburgh art historian (speaking on the relocation of “Pittsburgh,” Alexander Calder’s kinetic mobile)

All talks will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. EST and are free. Registration is required for each date, and each session will be recorded for later viewing.

“Art in public spaces connects people and creates a sense of place and belonging,” said Marshall. “We continue to work to connect airport staff and the community with the artists behind the work at PIT. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of how these installations reflect the stories, people and creative spirit of our region, we hope you will join us.”

For more information and to register, click here.

The Art in the Airport program is generously supported by contributions from The Heinz Endowments and PNC Bank.