The Valdosta Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) will meet on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Noon, at the Valdosta Regional Airport. The meeting will take place in the airport conference room located in the airport’s main terminal.

Following the business meeting, the PAAC will host a Mural Unveiling Reception in the baggage claim area of the airport, at 1 p.m. The mural, painted by local artist Ethan Abbott, features various iconic events and people within each letter of the word “Valdosta.” It’s the first major piece of public art at the Valdosta Regional Airport, and it will warmly welcome visitors and returning community members to the area when they retrieve their luggage.

The PAAC, funded by the City of Valdosta, commissioned Abbott to paint the mural that celebrates life in the city. He is Valdosta homegrown, a graduate of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in graphic arts, a member of the Regional Artists Community, and his works can be seen in various restaurants, businesses and homes across the community.

“This is one of 15 public art pieces that has been placed within the City Central Arts District (CCAD) as well as other community locations for people’s enjoyment and appreciation,” said Bruce Smith, PAAC Chair. “Our committee is pleased to unveil the mural at the airport, which will extend the warm South Georgia welcome that people have come to expect from Valdosta and that will also let our guests know that we are a thriving arts community. We invite the community to celebrate along with us at this Feb. 21 event.”

The mural at the airport also features a hashtag—a user-generated social media tag which makes it possible for people to post and find similarly-themed photos and content in one location using #ArtsValdosta. The committee hopes people will be inspired to take a photo of themselves in front of the airport mural, as well as any other art locations in the community, and then post them to the social media site.

The purpose of PAAC is to further the purchase, creation and appreciation of public art for its aesthetic value to the community. The PAAC also encourages the preservation and protection of works of public art which play a vital role in the economic development of the community.

For more information about the PAAC, call 229-247-2787.