RDM Announces Artists for Terminal Expansion Public Art Program

Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is pleased to announce the selected artists for the Terminal Expansion Public Art Program following a competitive national call that generated more than 300 proposals from across the United States.

Artwork for the terminal expansion was selected through a formal competitive solicitation conducted as part of the RDM Public Art Program. Submissions were evaluated by an Art Selection Panel composed of local artists, cultural representatives, airport stakeholders, and city staff. Finalists were chosen based on artistic excellence, connection to Central Oregon, integration with the terminal environment, feasibility, and project budget. Selected artists will now work closely with the panel and airport team to refine detailed concepts as the project advances. The total budget allocated for the Terminal Expansion Public Art Program is $640,000, supporting the creation, fabrication, and installation of six permanent artworks across the new terminal.

The six awarded artworks represent a wide range of perspectives, materials, and stories inspired by the landscapes, cultures, and communities that define Central Oregon. Each selected artist brings a meaningful connection to the region, whether through residency, long‑standing creative ties, or deep-rooted inspiration drawn from Central Oregon’s distinct environment. Together, these artworks will create a welcoming, place‑rooted experience for millions of travelers who pass through RDM each year.

“We’re not just building space; we’re telling the story of Central Oregon. The selected artworks ensure every traveler’s first impression reflects the creativity, culture, heritage and sense of place that define our community,” said Redmond City Councilor Cat Zwicker. “The integration of public art into the terminal represents a meaningful investment in the character and identity of our community.”

Location 1: East Double Height Wall – Manca Ahlin, “Smith Rock”
A hand‑woven rope installation inspired by the geological forms of Smith Rock, created with natural fibers and repurposed climbing ropes. Installed in layered planes to create depth, the work honors one of the world’s most iconic climbing landscapes and celebrates regional craft traditions.

Location 2: Recomposure Area Curved Wall – Wildheart Designs, “Layers of the Land”
An abstract mural created from natural pigments sourced throughout Central Oregon, evoking geological strata, seasonal rhythms, and ecological interdependence. The textured composition transforms the curved wall into an immersive reflection of the high desert landscape.

Location 3: Recomposure Platform – J. Chester Armstrong
A carved Ponderosa pine sculpture functioning as a contemporary story pole, depicting the intertwined lives of fish, wildlife, and people connected through Central Oregon’s rivers. The work honors Indigenous histories, regional ecology, and the enduring relationship between water and life in the high desert.

Location 4: Escalator Wall – John Maggiora, “The Waking Land”
A dynamic mural portraying Central Oregon’s layered ecosystems—from juniper and ponderosa to volcanic ridgelines—designed to reveal new details as travelers ascend the escalator. Warm tones and intricate wildlife scenes create a landscape that rises with the viewer.

Location 5: Top of Escalator North Wall – Kyle Ocean
A series of steel panels featuring cut, welded, and layered topographic forms centered around the path of the Deschutes River. Through intricate patina work and sculptural depth, the piece brings the region’s terrain, waterways, and geological character into the terminal environment.

Location 6: Restroom Niches – Artist: Aya Morton
A hand painted ceramic tile diptych inspired by Morton’s lifelong connection to the Metolius River. Featuring both above and below water landscapes rendered in soft, luminous hues, the installation offers travelers a tranquil moment rooted in one of Central Oregon’s most beloved natural places.

“It has been an honor to serve on the airport art selection panel, which brought together a wide range of thoughtful stakeholders and ensures meaningful community representation,” said Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair. “I look forward to seeing the finished artworks showcased when the terminal expansion opens. I am confident they will enhance the experience of all who travel through the facility. Public art remains an essential component of vibrant, welcoming public spaces.”

The Terminal Expansion Project, scheduled to open in November 2027, represents the largest modernization effort in the airport’s history. The expansion will significantly increase capacity, improve passenger experience, and introduce updated design standards and amenities to support long-term regional growth.

A core component of the project is the integration of public art throughout the terminal—reinforcing Central Oregon’s identity, elevating the visual environment, and highlighting the region’s vibrant artistic community.

Preliminary renderings and artist profiles are available on the airport’s website, with additional updates to be shared as final designs progress.

“Integrating public art into the terminal expansion reflects our commitment to creating a modern, welcoming airport experience for every traveler. These artworks will help define the character of the new space, enhancing comfort, supporting intuitive wayfinding, and offering meaningful connections to the landscapes and communities that shape Central Oregon,” said Airport Director Zachary Bass. “As the terminal expands, this program ensures we continue to serve as both a transportation hub and a true gateway to the region.”

The RDM Public Art Program is dedicated to celebrating regional creativity, promoting cultural storytelling, and enhancing every traveler’s sense of arrival. Through partnerships with artists and community stakeholders, the program seeks to create artwork that welcomes visitors, reflects the character of Central Oregon, and strengthens the airport’s role as a cultural gateway to the region.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.