PITTSBURGH – Expanding on the success of its Art in the Airport and Creating a Sense of Place programs that feature world-class art and cultural installations, Pittsburgh International Airport is pleased to partner with the Office of Public Art to welcome its first Artist-in-Residence, Blaine Siegel.
As Artist-In-Residence, Siegel, who is a multidisciplinary sculptor living in Pittsburgh, was selected from more than 70 artists from throughout the U.S. who applied to the open call last fall. Siegel will have his own studio space at the airport, spending the year-long residency engaging with travelers and joining airport workers in various operational capacities to better understand the overall environment. Siegel will ultimately produce a creative art project to be exhibited at the airport that reflects his research and engagement with multiple audiences.
Pittsburgh International Airport joins London Heathrow, San Diego and Tampa International Airports in having an artist-in-residence program. The residency is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
“I am eager to immerse myself in the community and culture of Pittsburgh International Airport,” said Siegel. “Not only will I be engaging with travelers passing through the terminal, but I will be able to experience how the airport functions behind the scenes and experience the complexity of what it feels like to be in a small city.”
Siegel has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (Art Photography) from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts (Sculpture) from The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He has exhibited work in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Florida, Vermont, New York and Arles, France. Recent projects include set design for Maree Ramalia’s evening length dance piece ‘The Ubiquitous Mass of Us’, the exhibition “Causal Loop” at SPACE Gallery, and the temporary public art project “North Side Crossing” commissioned by City of Asylum.
Richard Belotti, Vice President of Planning for the Allegheny County Airport Authority, said the Art in the Airport and Creating a Sense of Place programs have made Pittsburgh International a showcase for the region’s renowned artists, institutions and amenities like the Carnegie Museums.
“Our team welcomes Blaine to continue developing innovative ideas and delivering quality art and cultural installations that reflect the beauty and diversity of our region for millions of travelers,” Belotti said.
About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry, and advance the region’s role as a world leader. Its 2017 Economic Impact Report detailing the critical role both airports play in the region can be found at flypittsburgh.com/economicimpact.
Pittsburgh International Airport serves nearly nine million passengers annually on 17 carriers. Over the past three years, the airport has doubled its nonstop destinations to include 74 airports. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure has again named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2017. In addition, TripAdvisor ranked Pittsburgh International Airport a Travelers’ Choice Favorite for Shopping in 2016.