Photos of the Week: When Drawings Take Flight

Is there a better canvas to work with than an airplane?

In 2019, United Airlines launched a one-of-a-kind contest where female artists could submit designs to be featured on two Boeing 757-200 aircraft. Named “Her Art Here,” the contest was intended to promote underrepresented women by showcasing their work on two of the airline’s planes.

United asked the contestants to create designs that represent New York/New Jersey and California—two of the airline’s key markets: United has hubs at Newark Liberty International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

Entries were selected through a combination of judging scores and public voting. The first Boeing 757, with the New York/New Jersey design, tail number N14102, was rolled out of the paint shop in September.

It was created by artist Corinne Antonelli, a native of Washington, N.J. Antonelli’s design incorporates elements of the two states, such as the historic Red Mill in New Jersey, the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

One month later, United unveiled its California-themed 757, tail number N14106. Created by San Francisco-based artist Tsungwei Moo, the plane features sunglasses over the cockpit windows, a shoreline with palm trees and the Golden Gate Bridge.

According to Moo, her design was inspired by her emigration to San Francisco from Taipei aboard a United flight.

Today, the two “Her Art Here” planes fly coast to coast throughout United’s network. Connor Ochs managed to capture both aircraft during a plane-spotting trip to United’s Newark hub.

We think seeing one of these special planes is really cool. But both? In one day? That’s very lucky.

Thanks for the submissions, Connor!

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming—you can click here for submission guidelines.

United’s ‘Her Art Here – California’ plane features sunglasses, palm trees and the Golden Gate Bridge. (Photo submitted by Connor Ochs)