Wonder Slim by George James, courtesy Fullerton College

The new art exhibit at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California shares some ‘hidden treasures’ plucked from the art collections of five Orange County colleges and universities and is on display through August 2015 in the Vi Smith Gallery across from Gates 18-21.

Twentysix Gasoline Stations by Ed Ruscha – art book. Courtesy University of California, Irvine

The airport’s art program presents intriguing, museum-quality exhibits on a regular basis. Also on exhibit now (through April 2015) are whimsical paintings by Costa Mesa artist Cheryl Bookout –

The Fish in her Party Dress – Cheryl Bookout

And – always there: Flight of Ideas. This wonderful, large scale three-dimensional sculpture above the baggage carousels in Terminal C is made up of 21 aluminum birds with wing spans up to 14 feet by Beth Nyback. Look closely next time you’re there: the wings of the birds display enlarged portions of multi-colored aeronautical charts.

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