Two New Percent for Art Projects Dedicated at Philadelphia International Airport

The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy's Public Art Program and the Philadelphia International Airport are pleased to announce the completion of two new public artwork commissions. The two commissioned artists, Ava Blitz and Benjamin Volta, were both present for the official dedication yesterday, along with the students from the Grover Washington Jr. Middle School who helped create Benjamin's work. Their artworks are located on the exterior walls at the new restrooms built in Terminals B and C at the Philadelphia International Airport. These commissions further the Airport's goal to create dynamic visual landmarks, providing a memorable experience for airport visitors.

Ava Blitz created PINK, a vivid glass mosaic of digitally manipulated and abstracted landscape imagery. By bringing the mystery and poetry of the natural world into the hectic atmosphere of the airport, Ava hopes her artwork will provide a moment of respite for travelers. Ben Volta created Tectonic Quilt, in collaboration with students from Grover Washington Jr. Middle School. The resulting artwork represents the students' artistic interpretations of maps, flags, and political borders. With Volta's guidance, the young artists respond to an earth divided by political geographies, and their designs map an initial engagement with places and a people outside of their immediate context.

For this Percent for Art opportunity, a national open call was announced in November 2010 to artists residing in the United States. Out of the 159 applicants, 7 semi-finalists were selected to present proposals. An independent jury, along with representatives of the Philadelphia International Airport, unanimously recommended Ava Blitz and Ben Volta for the project.

About the Public Art Program – The Percent for Art Program of the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) commissions exceptional and enduring works of site-specific public art by renowned and emerging artists for City buildings. Philadelphia's public art collection is recognized as the largest and most remarkable in the world. Since 1959, more than 300 works of art have been commissioned through the City of Philadelphia's Percent for Art Ordinance. For additional information on Percent for Art commissions, please contact Margot Berg, Public Art Director, or Dave Kyu, Percent for Art Project Manager, or visit http://creativephl.org.