Client: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Overview

For the new John S. McCain III Terminal 3 at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, artist Donald Lipski created a giant pair of aviator sunglasses, aptly named The Aviators that celebrate Arizona’s rich history of civil and military aviation. The Aviators, consists of three parts: an enormous pair of mirrored aviator sunglasses measuring 25’ x 9’ and weighing in at 2,000 lbs, which hover in front of a 90’ wide oil-on-canvas painting of a sky with clouds, which is framed in a traditional wooden frame, which houses lighting. The massive mirrored lenses reflect the arrivals atrium creating a unique meeting place for travelers.

Goals

The Aviators celebrates Arizona's rich history of civil and military aviation while also creating a unique meeting place for travelers. The massive mirrored sunglass lenses lend a new perspective to the arrivals atrium.

Process

Public Art Services was invited by artist Donald Lipski along with other creative professionals to work as a collaborative partner in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation oversight for this project. Collaborative partners include: Elmendorf/Geurts, Chris and Will Krieg, Jeffrey Bludeau, Michael Mowry, Fast Corp, and Daniel Gokey.