The holidays are piling in on us, and that means long waits at the airport, sometimes coming, sometimes going.
Why not use the time to culturalize yourself. The Tucson International Airport is loaded with art by some of the biggest local names, most with national reputations: James Davis, Gail Marcus-Orlen, Cynthia Miller, William Lesch, Barbara Smith, Louise Serpa, Jim Waid, Jack Dykinga, Nancy Tokar Miller. . . .
The list goes on. And that's just the permanent collection. There are about six galleries with revolving exhibits, too.
The art program at TIA is about 20 years old now, making it one of the early airports to adopt the display-the-art philosophy. The collection includes more than 75 pieces.
"People spend time here and we wanted to create as pleasant an environment as possible," said Paula Winn, spokeswoman for the TIA.
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"And we've got great artists here. The airport is the first contact for many, and it tells people what we value — culture, art and history."
About $25,000 is set aside annually for art purchases, said Winn.
One of the most recent installations is Tucsonan Tom Philabaum's breathtaking "Another Way to Fly," floating in the space over the airport's Center Pointe on the upper level.
Thirty flying glass carpets, inspired by Navajo and Hopi designs, are suspended from the ceiling. You almost feel you could jump on one and go off on an Aladdin-esque adventure.
Also installed this year were John Davis' site-specific pieces, both made of metal and acrylic. You might have to look for them; and you'll want to look at them.
Under the staircase in the baggage claim area A is "Unzipped," a suitcase with a yawning mouth, its steely zipper teeth exposed and looking ready to chomp down on a row of perfectly starched white shirts.
"Closet Under the Stairs," in the B concourse baggage area, is just what the title says. A wood dresser with multiple drawers, and a slightly ajar closet door revealing luminous white shirts, make you feel like you're practically home.
Go ahead, touch, stare, giggle. That's one of the great things about art — it can move you to do or feel something.
And there's a lot of art that'll move you at the airport.
So when next there, waiting, waiting, put down that gossip rag and pick yourself up. Let the art lighten the load caused by delayed flights, long lines, and tiny seats.
Art can do that; it really can.
