In the main terminal of the newly remodeled Salt Lake City airport, artist Gordon Huether worked to bring the outdoors inside by creating a piece that mimicked Utah’s canyon scenery with white waves and ridges that integrate with the architecture of the airport. Multi-colored lights illuminate the monochrome structure of the Canyon installation in an effort to reflect the style of the earth’s geologic sediments.
Huether’s work is now competing for the prestigious CODA award for best integration of art with public space.
“People wanted to see the beauty of Utah reflected in the airport. It’s really been an honor to have that work recognized on an international basis,” said Nancy Volmer, the Director of Communication and Marketing at SLC International Airport.
CODA award contestants compete in ten different categories ranging from commercial, transportation, to educational. Volmer said the Canyon brings attention not only to Utah’s burgeoning international travel hub, but also to a growing emphasis on advancing national infrastructure in a way that goes beyond the merely practical.
“I think it’s really unique for an airport to have such a comprehensive art installation,” she said.
“Some of the feedback that we’ve been getting from our passengers is that the airport is beautiful.”
Public voting for the award is closed and jurors will now deliberate between the most voted entries for this year. The winners will be announced in late August.
