Sunrising Art Installation

Sunrising Art Installation

Status

Artist Shane Darwent has finalized all color choices for the panels after receiving full size samples from the manufacturer. He has also been prototyping the motor setup and by early February, will have a mock panel hanging/rotating.

Project Overview

Purpose

Tulsa International Airport is the gateway to a region that enjoys heavy employment in the aviation, healthcare, and oil and gas industries. Tulsa citizens enjoy an array of world-class cultural venues that offer a variety of visual and performing art displays. The Airport Art and Culture Program creates a signature identity for the Airport, and thus for the city of Tulsa, that reflects our diverse and thriving community. A unified program of art utilizing multiple media and venues showcases the innovation, sophistication and energy which define Tulsa. Through the resources and talents cultivated in this region, public art provides a portal to the community, highlighting its lifestyle and culture. The Airport Art and Culture program and airport leadership partnered to invest into a suspended artwork installation at the security checkpoint.

Selection Process

In April 2023, the airport posted a request for qualifications for artists who would be interested in commissioning a bold, innovative and engaging suspended art installation for the terminal. The selection committee was pleased to have a tremendous response from the creative community and received 140 submissions. The selection committee unanimously agreed and selected a concept from Tulsa resident artist, Shane Darwent. Darwent’s piece titled “Sunrising”, will hang over the entrance to the checkpoint and will feature a series of 35 colored-resin panels which shift through the color gradation of a sky from sunrise to sunset. With a total budget of $250,000, this will be the largest investment the airport has funded for its collection. The piece will be installed in June 2024 and will be displayed for years to come.

Estimated Project Costs:

$250,000