Presentation of painting of sculpture at airport

WHO: Members of the Traditional Art Guild of Hot Springs

WHAT: Presenting a special painting to Airport Director George Downie

WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Airport terminal lobby

After hearing Airport Director George Downie comment from time to time about the sculpture that adorns the airport terminal building’s front entrance, members of the Traditional Art Guild of Hot Springs were intrigued. It turns out that the intaglio sculpture, constructed in 1946 along with the rest of the terminal building, has been difficult to see in recent years, since a portico entry added to the building obscures this unique piece of art. Downie commented, “It would be nice to have something inside the building that would call attention to the sculpture so that people could appreciate it.”

TAG artist Ralph Conner, who participates in monthly art exhibits at the terminal building along with other TAG members, decided to create a painting of the sculpture, which will be presented by members of the guild to Downie. The painting serves not only to raise awareness of this artistic and architectural piece of airport history, but also as a symbol of the long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between TAG and the airport. Upon Downie’s invitation, TAG has provided monthly art exhibits since January 2008. In turn, the airport hosts a welcome reception for each artist at the beginning of each monthly exhibit, free of charge to the public.

Conner, a native of Fallon, Nevada, is an Air Force veteran who eventually opened up his own dental lab and began creating some of his own jewelry designs in addition to his lab practice. After retiring from the dental field, he studied tole painting, studied with professional artists, became a certified instructor, and furthered his skills in the oil painting of animals. A former member of the Artists Workshop and Gallery of Hot Springs and the Society of Decorative Painters, he is currently a member of the Traditional Art Guild.