10/04/2021

Spectrum News / Sam Knef / September 21, 2021

HEBRON, Ky. — A bunch of young artists in Northern Kentucky are looking to leave their mark in the form of some giant murals that thousands of people are going to see daily. The art coincides with the opening of a new facility at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

ArtWorks lead teaching artist Lizzy DuQuette and all of her apprentice artists have been working hard to create the murals. DuQuette said she’s very proud of the work they’ve done.

DuQuette is one of three teaching artists leading six to eight apprentices.

CVG’s new Consolidated Rental Car Facility aims to offer a more connected and seamless passenger experience and provide a new front door to the airport terminal. The new facility represents a $175 million investment from CVG.

But it was looking a little lifeless.

“When we got the building constructed, we started seeing more white walls. And we knew that we have been working toward establishing a sense of place throughout the airport. We want people to know where they are when they land,” said CVG spokesperson Mindy Kershner. “It is a front door to the region for a lot of people. So we really just wanted to add a little bit of life and color into this space.”

CVG partnered with ArtWorks, a Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that transforms people and places through creative works of art.

One of two larger-than-life murals they’re working on is on the first floor of the facility. It’s called "Take to the Water," and was designed by Adrienne Gaither.

“It’s referencing the tunnels and bridges in Cincinnati, and the underground railroad. I think she sees Cincinnati as a gateway and a portal,” DuQuette said.

It’s taken months of planning and hard labor to bring the vision to life, along with the camaraderie the team built up along the way.

“Mapping out gigantic arcs. There’s a lot of geometry. There’s a lot of string and measuring and taping off, and gridding and chalk lines involved,” DuQuette said. “It’s such a challenge, and going through a challenge like that together, you become really close.”

CVG plans to open the new Consolidated Car Rental Facility in mid-October. The second mural is being painted on the facility’s third floor.

Christian Dallas, a contemporary painter and muralist from Northern Kentucky, will be the artist to design the application on the third-floor wall. Dallas’ contemporary style will draw on themes of movement and flight — underscoring CVG’s role in providing air transportation to connect the Cincinnati region to the world.

FULL STORY HERE