WILMINGTON — Local North Carolina artists are getting a wider audience through a new gallery in the Wilmington International Airport (ILM).
The gallery space was dedicated by the airport and will curated by the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County. The inaugural installation, appropriately entitled “Flight,” features interpretations of the theme by North Carolina painters, sculptors and metalworkers. “Flight” was directed by Gabriel Lovejoy, who led a team of curators from the Arts Council. Lovejoy is a Wilmington based artist and educator, as well as a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Erin McNally, marketing director for the new project, said the gallery was a unique win-win for both local artists and the airport.
“We envision the exhibits being view and enjoyed by travelers that arrive early at the airport, residents that are coming to pick-up friends and family, as well as vacationers and business travelers that are coming to our community for the first time,” McNally said.
ILM joins a growing trend of smaller airports expanding their cultural role as they develop beyond simple commuter hubs. McNally said, “the Wilmington International Airport acts as a gateway to our community and we are honored to showcase our vibrant arts culture.”
Below: The pieces in the “Flight” expedition.
