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Bishop International Airport Mural
Bishop International Airport in Flint has a major new piece of artwork thanks to VSAMI-GC! Over 300 Genesee Intermediate School District student artists submitted artwork, glazed tiles, and celebrated the opening of a gorgeous tile mural on May 20th, 2010. Many of the artists were joined by their families and friends, staff members, and notable community members as the Genesee County-themed piece was unveiled next to the escalators. They were treated to music by Pat Cronley and friends, enjoyed refreshments, and basked in the praise of their artistic endeavors.
Dr. Thomas Svitkovich, GISD's superintendent at the time, opened the door for the collaboration, and then the actual process began in 2009 with a call for art. After engaging the support of Bishop's Director, Jim Rice, and his staff, the airport's architects were challenged to create a design out of the submitted artwork. The winning drawing was gridded out, transferred to six-inch pre-fired tiles and classroom and program staff were trained to teach their groups to glaze each one individually.
After the entire design was laid out, lines were drawn to outline and connect the buildings, transportation modes, people, and natural elements all the way from downtown Flint to Bishop Airport itself. After three coats of glaze were applied, the tiles were fired and the entire design was mounted on a frame on the airport wall. Next time you're there, keep an eye out for such familiar landmarks as the Citizens Bank Weather Ball, cool airplanes, and the Flint Cultural Center!
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