City officials Wednesday unveiled a vibrant mural commemorating the 100th anniversary of Long Beach Airport’s groundbreaking on Nov. 23, 1923.
Dubbed “A Flight to History,” the 60-foot-by-30-foot vinyl mural by award-winning artist Marconi Calindas is hung on the west side of Parking Structure A, a prominent location where it will welcome travelers arriving to the city.
“We’ve got a great history in aviation — from manufacturing to innovation,” Mayor Rex Richardson said during the unveiling ceremony. “Here at the Long Beach Airport, we recognize that history … but also we recognize the future. Art is really the vehicle to tell that story — from the past into the future.”
The mural shows the historic terminal building, which is in the midst of a multi-million restoration and upgrade, surrounded by aircraft and numerous Long Beach landmarks such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, Lions Lighthouse and the Queen Mary, among others.
In partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach, the airport had a nationwide call for artists that received 92 submissions, airport Director Cynthia Guidry said Wednesday. As the winning artist, Calindas received $10,000.
Five runners-up received $1,500 and will have their work temporarily displayed in the airport’s concourses.
“Our journey has been a remarkable one,” Guidry said, adding that the mural “truly encapsulates the essence of the airport in our centennial year.”