TULSA, OK – April 11, 2022 – Local artist, Carmen Taylor, has finished a new mural at Tulsa International Airport. The vibrant 11’6″ tall by 48′ long mural titled, “IMAGINE” is located outside on the Departures roadway, across from the American and Delta ticket counters.
The mural features three children seated on the backs of scissor-tailed flycatchers soaring through the air in front of the word “IMAGINE”. The kids are engaged in whimsical play as they throw paper airplanes, fly a toy airplane and wave the Tulsa flag. The “G” in “IMAGINE” is designed to meld into the shape of Oklahoma with a heart indicating where Tulsa is. The design signifies community, playfulness and wonder. The purpose of this mural is to inspire kids and adults alike to think about the endless possibilities that life has to offer.
“I’m so excited that my ‘IMAGINE’ mural found a home at Tulsa International Airport. It will be there to see people off on whatever journey they are on, and hopefully remind them to Imagine”, said Carmen Taylor. Taylor is an art teacher at Sapulpa Public Schools, and has been teaching for 14 years. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Education degrees, both from East Central University. She works with a broad range of wet and dry media in addition to screen printing, digital art and graphic design, and her artistic style is diverse and includes realistic, abstract, expressive, and highly stylized artwork. Murals are some of her favorite projects to work on, and the talented artist has over 20 murals around Oklahoma, which can be found at businesses, restaurants, universities, schools, churches and in homes. “I love art, and long after I’m gone, a lot of my art will still be here”, said Taylor.
The airport’s new mural is the first completed project funded by a Tulsa Creates Together Grant. Tulsa Creates Together is a site-specific art campaign presented by Living Arts of Tulsa in partnership with the George Kaiser Family Foundation. This project aims to encourage collaboration between Tulsa artists and local businesses across the city. “We are thrilled to see Carmen’s mural completed and installed at Tulsa International Airport. ‘Imagine’ is an incredible example of the creative collaboration we hoped to accomplish with these public art grants. We hope it inspires Tulsa residents and guests alike.” said Heather Duncan, Living Arts of Tulsa Executive Director.
Art in the airport has been a main focus for Tulsa International since 2006, when the Cultural Advisory Group was formed. This group is composed of local artists and representatives of art organizations in Tulsa that develop a strategic plan for incorporating art and cultural exhibits in areas throughout the terminal to showcase local artists, galleries and museums.
“We’re honored to have Carmen’s work displayed here at the airport, and we’re grateful for the generous grant that Living Arts of Tulsa and GKFF awarded her to make this possible”, said Stephanie Chester, Community Relations Manager at Tulsa International Airport. “The inspiring ‘IMAGINE’ theme is a perfect message for our passengers as they are about to travel and explore new parts of the world.”
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MEDIA ASSETS
Click here for photos of the mural and the artist.
The artist can be contacted on social media under Art by Carmen Taylor and Carmen Taylor Art.
Contact Living Arts of Tulsa:
Sina McLin
Gallery & Communications Manager
918.585.1234