Tucson Airport Awards Solar Sculpture Commission

Tucson Airport Awards Solar Sculpture Commission

      Tucson, Ariz. (Dec. 27, 2011)-Tucson Airport Authority has chosen Fairfield Enterprises LLC to create an outdoor solar sculpture for display at Tucson International Airport (TIA). The sculpture will commemorate the state of Arizona's centennial anniversary on February 14, 2012, and Tucson being a Solar City.

        This will be the first solar sculpture in the airport's art collection and is intended to reflect the unique culture, ethnic diversity and history of the region. The sculpture will also acknowledge the contributions of Southern Arizona's aviation industry in the growth and prosperity of the state, and communicate Tucson's unique presence and ambiance to airport visitors.

      Fairfield Enterprises was selected through a competitive call process that was open to individuals and groups within the airport's service area. Lead Artist Stephen Fairfield of Fairfield Enterprises will collaborate with Electrical Engineer Patrick Marcus of Marcus Engineering and Emily Taylor of Emily Taylor Design. The group specializes in new media and interactive public art and have partnered on similar projects in Tucson, Glendale, California, Wisconsin and Virginia.

      The freestanding sculpture will be located outside the airport's rental car facility, adjacent to the exit lanes for the terminal roadway loop. Fairfield, Marcus and Taylor's creative concept is a steel structure using upward flowing, arching lines that flow into the form of a futuristic aircraft. It will include imagery representing the region's indigenous residents, its first European settlers and the earliest airplane that flew in Tucson.

      Photovoltaic solar panel collectors will power numerous light emitting diodes (LEDs) that deliver a constantly changing display of colored lights and patterns.

      "Tucson Airport Authority places a high value on public art and the community's growing solar industry. We are pleased to contribute to both as part of Arizona's Centennial," said Bonnie A. Allin, President/CEO.

      "We hope that this sculpture will give visitors a memorable experience, commemorate 100 years of statehood and build awareness of Tucson's commitment to solar energy," said Marcus. "We applaud TIA for commissioning this project and would love to see other local organizations embrace public art efforts showcasing solar power."

      The sculpture is scheduled for installation and unveiling in April. A dedication ceremony will be held to commemorate the artwork and Arizona's centennial celebration.

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