Nashville International Airport

Nashville Airport unveils new large scale art work

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On Wednesday, November 16th, 2011, Nashville International Airport officially dedicates a new large-scale piece of public art titled: ‘Wind Reeds.’

The piece was created for the airport’s new rental car facility by Ned Kahn and features hundreds of hinged aluminum elements that sway in the wind, mimicking a grass-like effect.

Here’s a bit of Kahn’s artist statement about the work:
“…Even from a great distance, the proposed sculpture functions as a dynamic beacon for the airport. Similar to watching the wind blow through a field of tall grass or the wind playing on the surface of water, the artwork fosters a welcoming mood of contemplation and wonder. My hope is that the artwork will function as a register for the ever-changing wind and create a unique kinetic portal for Nashville that will remind people of the magic and mystery of the world that we live in.”

Nashville International Airport has lots of other permanent and temporary art work, art exhibits and live music year-round. If you’re heading that way, be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss something really great.

Fresh airport art at Nashville, Port Columbus and San Francisco Airports

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Nashville International Airport  (BNA) has kicked off the winter season of its Flying Solo art series and through mid-March you’ll be able to see work by  Virginia Derryberry

Nashville Airport Virginia Derryberry

Olen Bryant  (below) and others.

Nashville Airport, Oen Bryant

In Ohio, Port Columbus International Airport has an exhibit featuring three painted aerials of the airport by Ryan Orewiler.

Port Columbus_ Orewiler

And, through May 2011, head for the International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport to see a selection of 19th century miniature buildings from the collection of Ace Architects.

SFO miniature buildings exhibit Pantheon, Rome

Pantheon, Rome (double inkwell) c. 1870, courtesy Ace Architects

SFO_Arc de Triomphe miniature buidling

Arc de Triomphe, Paris c. 1870, courtesy Ace Architects

Tibits for travelers: Free Wi-Fi at Nashville Airport; new exhibits at John Wayne and Atlanta airports

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Free Wi-Fi at Nashville International Airport

Free Wi-FI at airport


Someday there will be free Wi-Fi at all airports.

In the meantime, we keep score and take what we can get.

Here’s one to add to the list: “Soon,” says the October 2010 newsletter from Nashville International Airport, passengers will be able to get 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi access in the food courts, meeter-greeter waiting areas and in some restaurants.  The airport is also planning to add charging stations for electronic devices.  If you’re a member of BNA’s Frequent Parker Program or a valet parking customer, however, you can get free Wi-Fi anywhere in the terminal – for 15 minutes.

Add that to the 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi everyone gets and you’re getting somewhere…

New photography exhibits at Hartsfield Atlanta and John Wayne airports

JWA exhibit Witches House built by Vernon Baker

A new exhibit at John Wayne airport on display through January 2011 features images of classic architecture around Orange County, California.  The images are taken from architect Richard Dodd’s book “Architectural Styles – Orange County”, and display historical homes and buildings from Mission San Juan Capistrano to the famed Witches House in Laguna Beach, which is pictured above.

For more photos from the exhibit, see the slide show on the John Wayne Airport‘s website.

The Airport Show at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

In honor of Atlanta Celebrates Photography Month, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s Art Program has teamed up with the Atlanta Photography Group for The Airport Art Show, an exhibit of traditional, documentary-style and modern photographs in the airport atrium.

ATL ART Show

Want to see more photos? In addition to the exhibit at the airport, there are more than 150 photographic exhibitions and events showcasing the work of more than 400 photographers taking place this October throughout metro Atlanta.

“The Airport Show” is in the Hartsfield-Jackson Atrium Gallery through November 17.

See airport guides for these airports and 47 others on StuckatTheAirport.com.

Tidbits for travelers: Free Wi-Fi in Nashville; haiku contest on EL AL

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Free Wi-Fi coming to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Sort of.

Free Wi-FI

Sometime before the end of the year, Nashville International Airport (BNA) will install two of what will eventually be 14 complimentary charging stations.

The airport will also begin offering travelers free wireless internet access in the food courts, the meeter/greeter waiting areas and in some restaurants.

But only the first twenty minutes will be free.

Airport spokesperson Emily Richard says 20 minutes is based on “expert assessment of actual usage reports.” Meaning, I suppose, that most people log on, send a few emails and are on their way. For everyone else: “The pay model remains,” says Richard, for those needing more time or “requiring the security features of a virtual private network.”

But here’s an interesting twist: according to a memo sent out by the airport, members of BNA’s Frequent Parker Program and valet parking customers will get 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi to use access anywhere in the terminal.

Not sure if that’s instead of the complimentary 20 minutes or in addition to it, but it’s all a step in the right direction.

Want to go to Israel?

Their joke contest is over. Now EL AL is running a haiku contest on Facebook. The most creative haiku will get a pair of free roundtrip tickets to Israel.  The deadline is October 22nd.

Here’s where to find more information on EL AL’s Haiku Contest.

Good luck!

Snack Saturday: automated treats

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I still get a kick out of seeing those ZOOM vending machines (officially “automated retail stores”) at airports offering everything from iPods to products from Best Buy, Sephora and the SkyMall catalog

Airport vending machine ZOOM SKYMALL

But these aren’t the only unusual vending machines you’ll find  in airports.

Last time I passed through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the SHOP 24 was still there. This giant vending machine fits in the space of a small retail shop and is filled with all sorts of snacks and sundries. It’s as entertaining as it is convenient.

Now comes word that Outagamie County Airport (ATW) in Appleton, WI. has one of the country’s 25 Willy Wonka Candy Machines. The machine draws attention with sounds and flashing lights and lets customers customize their own selection of candy, which is delivered in cups.

Outagamie Airport Willy Wonka candy machine

(Photo courtesy Outagamie County Airport)

Tomorrow (Sunday, July 18th) is National Ice-Cream Day, so keep in mind that you’ll find the country’s only airport-based Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream vending machine at Massachusetts’ New Bedford Regional Airport

Ice cream vending machine

And at Nashville International Airport, there’s a Dippin’ Dots machine.

Know of another fun airport vending machine? Please snap a photo and send it along.