ATL honors employees in annual art program

During the May 17 Airport Employee Art Program awards reception, winner Annalie Harris shares a smile in front of her winning work, “Koi on Tar Paper.”

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

 

For the fourth consecutive year, Hartsfield-Jackson honored talented employees who submitted artwork to the National Arts Program exhibit.

Interim Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer Greg Richardson expressed awe for the level of quality and range of artistic expression from staff and their family members this year, which were displayed on Concourse T from Nov. 17 through May 17.

“I’m proud of the role we play in bringing public recognition to your gifts by hosting this exhibit,” Richardson said on May 16 to dozens of Airport artists and staff in the Domestic Terminal atrium.

“Just think about it: More people will have viewed your work here at the Airport than the art displayed at the High Museum over the same period of time.”

Artists and their families enjoyed a welcome reception along with treats and prizes for the best works, which were judged by Atlanta artists Tori Tinsley and Tom Haney.

Richardson told the group they should be proud of “enhancing the Airport environment” as artists as well as ATL employees.

“You should all take pride in the work you do to provide passengers with world-class service every day,” Richardson said. “Your dedication and commitment keeps our operation running smoothly for the benefit of more than 103 million passengers each year.”

Airport Art Program Manager Ben Austin also praised the artists who ranged from youth to seniors.

“As a practicing curator, I know how the creative process can develop greater connections and how learning new techniques and refining your artistic voice can provide deeper meaning to many aspects of life,” Austin said.

Annalie Harris won in the teen category for her work, “Koi on Tar Paper.” The 15-year-old, whose father works for AATC, says it’s been a big honor to place in the competition, as she always wanted her art displayed at ATL.

My dad encouraged me,” Harris said. “I love the [Airport] art so much, so it was a really cool opportunity.”

Austin also announced plans to purchase 11 works from the exhibit to display in Department of Aviation offices. “These exhibits have fostered a greater sense of community here at the Airport while also showcasing the diversity and talents of our massive workforce to the traveling public,” Austin said.

ATL’s partnership with the National Arts program will return in the fall. Austin and fellow Program Manager David Vogt are already looking forward to more great art from our ATL family.

2017 National Arts Program Award winners are listed below:

YOUTH (12 and under) Winner Title of Work
First place Ayodeji Adekeye “Beautiful Africa”
Second place Aliya Applin “Pretty in Pink”
Third place Kendrlyn Pitts “Meeting a Furry Friend”

 

TEEN (13 – 18) Winner Title of Work
Art Education Award Annalie Harris “Koi on Tar Paper”
First place Shania Stokley “Bantu”

 

AMATEUR Winner Title of Work
First place Pascal Bernier “Fun Run”
Second place Harvey Travis “Crane”
Third place Ken Reil “Cabin in the Woods”

 

INTERMEDIATE Winner Title of Work
First place Valerie Ralph “Hand Stitched Nat King Cole”
Second place Enyo Dackey “Freedom”
Third place Kay Hall “Antartica I”

 

PROFESSIONAL Winner Title of Work
First place Jonathan Brent Smart “Before it All Begins”
Second place Valerie Lyles “Washington D.C. Back Hall”
Third place Annie Hutchins “Wanderluster”

 

BEST OF SHOW Winner Title of Work
First place Kenneth Mann “Now Thy Lay Me Down to Sleep”