BLUE SKIES: A MILESTONE ART INSTALLATION CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary at The International Center, we are thrilled to unveil a breathtaking masterpiece that symbolizes the essence of global connection and community. The Blue Skies suspended art sculpture, a monumental 40-foot by 100-foot installation, has found its home at the heart of the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), marking the first permanent art addition to the terminal in over 15 years.
Crafted by the talented Indianapolis artist and Herron School of Art & Design graduate-to-be, Brenna McCarty, Blue Skies is suspended over 65 feet in the air, capturing the attention of every visitor to the airport. This project, initiated in commemoration of our 50th anniversary, is a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusivity, welcoming spirit, and the celebration of global diversity.
“The Indy airport’s commitment to local artists and public art is soaring to new heights this year,” Mario Rodriguez (Executive Director, Indianapolis Airport Authority)
Supported by a generous $120,000 grant from the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation, Blue Skies is not merely an art installation but a symbol of togetherness and worldwide connectivity. Martin Baier, President and CEO of The International Center, shared the vision behind this significant project:
“From our start in 1973, The Center has worked to make all feel welcome coming to our global state. We wanted to gift a piece of art that is created by the community and is dedicated to the community to convey that welcoming value.”
The piece is made up of more than 200 hanging blue spheres, set at varying lengths and hues of blue, to symbolize unity, connection and a global feel.
The suspended sculpture, comprised of meticulously arranged acrylic spheres in varying shades of blue, evokes a sense of movement and energy. The lighter hues toward the outer edges represent the bustling nature of an airport, where individual paths converge, and people come together to embark on their journeys.
At the dedication event, officials from the Indianapolis Airport Authority and representatives from The International Center and Herron School of Art & Design gathered to celebrate the successful realization of this collaborative project.
“Blue Skies is advancing contemporary art within our urban landscape while also connecting with the rich history of art in both the city and the state,” Greg Hull (Dean, Herron School of Art & Design)
The International Center has long served as a guide to the world’s cultural landscape and a catalyst for the state’s international growth. This permanent art installation, strategically located in the public access pre-security area of the terminal, stands as a testament to our ongoing commitment to uplifting the state on the global stage.
As travelers pass through the terminal, we anticipate Blue Skies will provide a moment of tranquility—a ‘send-off’ and a ‘return home.’ Brenna McCarty, the visionary artist behind this project, encapsulates this sentiment:
“I hope this brings a tranquil moment, a space for stillness, serenity and peace — like a breath of fresh air.”
Herron School of Art & Design student Brenna McCarty’s “Blue Skies” is the first sculpture to be installed permanently at the Indianapolis International Airport since the new terminal opened in 2008.
Blue Skies is not just an art installation; it’s a celebration of our 50-year journey, a reflection of our commitment to global understanding, and a symbol of the welcoming spirit that defines our global state. For more information about this awe-inspiring project and our ongoing contributions to the arts and culture, visit IND.com/PublicArt. Join us in celebrating the harmonious convergence of art, culture, and community at the Indianapolis International Airport.
By: Grace Bland | Marketing & Communications Manager
