Dog park, rental car center showcase new art
By DeAllous Smith

Hartsfield-Jackson’s dog park, Ground Transportation center and rental car center — which opened in the final months of 2009 — gave the Airport Art Program several places to display new permanent and rotating exhibits.

“We knew art would be an important component to the overall energy and vibe of the new rental car and Ground Transportation centers,” said Art Program Manager Katherine Marbury. “From the beginning, it was important that the pieces complemented the buildings’ design and purpose. To assist us, we commissioned a community panel, which reviewed the artists and their works before selecting the chosen pieces.”

The dog park features two permanent sculptures that local artist Doug Makemson crafted into whimsical dog figures from old machinery and scrap metal: “Ain’t Gonna Roam No More” and “Abby.”

Two other permanent pieces appear above the ATL SkyTrain boarding platforms at the rental car center and its Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)/Gateway Center station. Jim Waters’ “Stellar Intersection” consists of highly reflective star shapes applied to the ceiling at the GICC station. “Reflections” by Tim Prentice is a mobile-like piece created from lightweight plastic shapes that reflect the light and movements of the people walking below them at the rental car center’s customer service facility.

Revolving exhibits include large-scale, kinetic sculptures in the plaza area of the Ground Transportation center. The four pieces by Phil Procter are called “Binary Shift,” “Jet Stream,” “Iris” and “Tethered Sail.”

Marbury noted that the artists were encouraged to create works that would draw passengers’ interest into the space.

“The ceiling pieces play to the height of the buildings, while the dog sculptures help create a sense of place for our four-legged friends,” she said.

With the soaring ceilings of the ATL SkyTrain’s boarding platforms, the pieces literally take the Airport Art Program to new heights.

“We’re always exploring new and creative ways to enhance the facility,” Marbury said. “Our new collection simply expands our vision beyond the main terminal walls.”