Long Beach Airport (LGB) has partnered with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) to present the School of Art Review (SOAR), a pilot program to incorporate artwork at the airport and engage the community. “CSULB SOARs @ LGB” is an opportunity for college students and recent graduates from CSULB to showcase their talents and promote Long Beach’s rich art and culture scene to travelers and the public.
“‘CSULB SOARs @ LGB’ gives travelers at the Airport a glimpse of our vibrant arts community when they visit or return home to the city,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “The talented CSULB artists that were selected to have their artwork on display have put a lot of time and effort into these projects, and their work will enrich the travel experience at Long Beach Airport.”
The artwork is exhibited outdoor in the public plaza between the terminal and the concourse. Artists working with sculpture, wood, ceramics, fibers, and metals were encouraged to participate. Seven projects were reviewed by an Airport panel, and four were selected for display for a six-month period.
“It has been a pleasure to partner with Cal State Long Beach and present this opportunity for student artists to have their work on display for the thousands of travelers that come through Long Beach Airport every day,” said Airport Director, Jess L. Romo. “Long Beach has a rich history of aviation and the arts, so it’s wonderful to have a program like SOAR that incorporates these themes into their work.”
“We are enthusiastic to showcase our artists in the public setting of Long Beach Airport,” said School of Art Director, Aubry Mintz. “Art is a synergistic force that adds value to daily life and brings us together – we are eager to see the affect these works have on both travelers and the local community.”
“The Mountain” by Manny Krakowski and “Luggage for Native Soil” by Lena Wolek are currently on display for the next six months. Following that, “Drifting” by Jojo Solo and “Collection” by Amy Williams artworks will be displayed in early 2019.
