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AIRPORT ART PROGRAM

By creating an ambience in the airport that reflects the cultural and artistic diversity of the West Michigan region and the world at large, our program aims to educate, inspire, and entertain all airport guests.

About Our Program

Our program is designed to feature both permanent and rotating exhibitions that refine the airport environment while supporting local artists, art program students, and institutions in the community and region. The program is a partnership between the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority and the Frey Foundation, with oversight provided by a committee comprising four representatives appointed by the Airport President & Chief Executive Officer, and two appointed by the Frey Foundation. If you have a piece of work you would like considered, please email gfiainfo@grr.org.

On Display

Grand Rapids native, Nick Nortier, is one of two live muralists displaying his talents at GFIA. Nortier's painting, "The Great Blue," features a blue heron on a Michigan waterway with a stunning purple and orange sunset in the background. Nortier says he believes the blue heron is one of the most beautiful creatures in Michigan. "I am excited to have this opportunity to leave my mark at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and I look forward to being a part of the inaugural team of artists for this new program," stated Nortier.

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The finished masterpiece; "The Great Blue" majestically graces the walls leading from the Marketplace to Concourse B. Travelers departing from either concourse can see portions of it from the Marketplace and all may go and view it before heading to their gate.

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Nick Nortier painting

Nortier live sketching and painting throughout the day. His mural is along the walkway between the Marketplace and Concourse B.

 

COMING SOON

We have many other art projects that will be coming online in the future - everything from murals to sculptures to suspended art and more - both inside and outside the passenger terminal facility.

  • Grand Rapids-based artist Kyle DeGroff will be creating a mural along the walkway between the Marketplace and Concourse A soon. DeGroff's mural will feature bold, bright colors and animals in slumber.
  • Jason Quigno will be creating a sculpture for the airport.
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Sculptor Jason Quigno (above) is a stone sculptor who will be creating a custom piece for the airport.

At right are two previous sculptures Jason has created.

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  • The President Ford Mural created by local artist Paul Collins will be reinstalled in a new location along the far east wall of the newly remodeled front ticketing area.
  • Our model of the Alexander Calder sculpture, La Grande Vitesse, will be reinstalled in the front ticketing area.
  • The Calder Plane will be on display along the west end of of the ticketing area.