Cool Place
Quad City Arts "Art at the Airport"
Quad Cities International Airport, Moline, IL
The Quad City International Airport has sustained major upgrades over the past few years through President Joe Biden's infrastructure bill; the airport has been utilized by thousands of people from across the United States. Since the 2023 renovations, the airport has seen an increase in traffic. This opportunity brings many eyes to what Quad City Arts presents as "Art at the Airport.". Just next to the security checkpoint, travelers from far and wide are able to admire and appreciate art crafted by Quad City artists. In early March to late April, the gallery displayed artists Art Ciccotti, Larry Davis, and Debora Stewart. Each artist has unique creativity in their forms of expression. Ciocotti uses glass vases with entrancing and fascinating color patterns that grasp the attention of travelers passing by. Davis develops paintings that are intrinsically full of life and eye-catching; the vast schemes of his colors cause a mesmerizing gaze when admiring each canvas. Along with Stewart's collection of pastels, which are very vibrant and light, promoting positive energy to admirers.
In an interview with Davis, he made it apparent that the Quad Cities are his home. The local has many ties to the Quad Cities, and knowing that his and other artists' creativity is on display warms his heart.
"I can't say enough good things about how important that place is, especially now with so many galleries basically going under since COVID came around. It's just very difficult for a commercial gallery to survive; galleries like this one at the airport are important. The chance to put work at a place like this one is very essential to artists like me who are out here, kind of in the boondocks."
Davis wanted to express some thoughts about AI and how exactly it is an issue for young people when pertaining to artwork. Davis goes on to say that "AI is a scary thing. Just in my lifetime, from when there were no cell phones, there was a time where a picture on a canvas was as good as it got; it had the potential to sway opinions and sway emotions. So for young folks, I have to hope that they will always value something that is not artificially derived." Davis wants the youth to understand that genuine art cannot be constructed without purpose, emotions, and persona, traits that programs such as AI will never obtain. It was made clear that Davis is very insightful about his craft and can offer aspiring artists some words of wisdom.
"I hope younger artists, who are making a living off it or not, include visual art as your main communication skill. When I put my work out to the public, I want it to not simply be a photograph of something; I want it to create a motion picture that plays in your mind, which leads to inspiration."
It could be argued that the display of these artists' creations gives the airport's travelers and staff something to look forward to amongst their busy lives. Sometimes it's okay to stop and enjoy the beautiful things in life.
In an interview with exhibitions director Dawn Wohlford Metallo, it was made clear that the gallery has been a very important part of Quad City Arts. Metallo has become aware of so many different positive impacts the gallery has had on the public and on artists. "I would definitely say that anytime I am out, I get positive feedback from our community. I have heard of some people coming to the airport early before their flight just to see the art gallery. On top of that, it also means a lot to the artists. We have had many artists who have trouble showing their art to people, and by having an exhibition there, suddenly these artists' works are able to be seen and purchased, which has made a big difference in their lives. There have also been instances where admirers of the art on display at our gallery were influenced to pursue their own path as artists."
With recent news that the airport has received funding of 18 million dollars for renovations and additions to the airport in this upcoming year it seems that the future of "Art at the Airport" is in good hands. Metallo has made it clear that the exhibition is very important to the Quad Cities community and alludes to the idea that the gallery must be protected. "I think the future for the gallery is very good; staff here at the airport don't want anything about it to change. Although the airport might undergo some remodeling, the gallery may evolve, but the messaging and purpose of it will not change; it's there to make people think or to give them something else to think about.
In terms of the future of the exhibition, it could be argued that the display of art brings people together and can put a busy mind at peace. In a societal era where everything is automated and people are so consumed with the intricacies of their lives, "Art at the Airport," presented by Quad City Arts, allows people to take a moment to pause and appreciate their lives.
These artist's masterpieces are available for purchase through https://www.shopquadcityarts.com/ciccotti-davis-and-stewart.