BY CHARLEE BEASOR
INDIANAPOLIS — The new Indianapolis International Airport is filled with things usually found in airports: People, luggage, restaurants and shops, ticket agents, and more.
But it’s also filled with various pieces of artwork. Some are right out in the middle of Civic Plaza — like the piece that hangs from the ceiling, called “JetStream,” or the colorful work that hangs over the escalators leading to the terminal from the parking garage.
And some of those pieces are in places that many people might not see on a trip to the airport, which is one of the benefits of the newly-released book IND: The Art of It All.
The book, published by Emmis Communications, went on sale at the airport last Thursday. It includes photography and information about the terminal’s art and architecture, a profile of the artists who contribute to the airport’s permanent collection, and a selection of recipes from restaurateurs at the airport.
IND: The Art of It All is the first fundraising endeavor by the IND Foundation, a non-profit organization to ensure public art is always an important part of the city’s airport experience. The foundation was created to maintain permanent and temporary works of art there.
Alpha Blackburn, president and CEO of Blackburn Architects, an Indianapolis-based firm that has overseen the airport’s public art program since 2005, said the book gives a good history of the art program.
“We always intended to do a book because we thought some documentation of the creative process of the building and integration (of the art) was worthy,” Blackburn said. “The book seeks to give some insight into the whole process.”
During a private launch party Thursday, several of the artists were on hand to autograph copies of the book and speak about their pieces.
James Wille Faust of Lapel was the creator of “Chrysalis.” The multi-colored piece is made of a number of canvasses and metal.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It was a long time in the making to get it up, because I had to do it in segments and piece it together here. It worked out great. I loved incorporating the glass and hanging the piece past the wall. I like a challenge.”
Another artist, Dale Enoch of Bloomington, designed the limestone and bronze pieces that adorn the side hallways of Civic Plaza. Enoch’s piece is called “Elemental Indiana.”
“This is fantastic,” he said. “It came out very well. Watching the building go up, it was difficult to imagine when it would all fit together. There were some extra security hurdles here, but it’s worth it.”
Susan Sullivan with the Indianapolis International Airport said the book is something that Indianapolis historians will enjoy.
“Anybody interested in history, it would be a nice keepsake for them or corporate gifts, and quantity discounts are available.” Sullivan said.
The book sells for $29.95 at Café Patachou and Just Pop In!, as well as Guest Services. It can also be ordered online at www.indfoudation.org or by phone at 875-5500 ext. 219. Orders can be collected in person at Blackburn Architects, 3388 Founders Road, Indianapolis, to avoid shipping and handling charges.
All sales benefit the IND Foundation, and the book will be available after the holidays and throughout the year.
charlee.beasor@flyergroup.com
