'Water Wisps' at Bush Airport and an exhibition curated by the Houston Botanic Garden at Hobby Airport are dedicated to enriching the community and showcasing the region's beauty. A mural unveiled by the Houston Botanic Garden strengthens the shared initiative by the organization and Houston Airports.
On Earth Day, the Houston Botanic Garden celebrated its commitment to the environment and community with the unveiling of a new 300-foot-long mural titled “Wild Texas” along the Sims Bayou Greenway. This vibrant artwork by artist David Cobb showcases the diverse landscapes of the state, from the arid west to the lush Piney Woods of the east.
The large-scale mural represents more than six months of work by Cobb and a dedicated team of volunteers who utilized a paint-by-numbers approach to bring the artist’s vision to life. The completed artwork transforms a previously plain concrete wall into a beautiful public space for both Houston Botanic Garden visitors and those utilizing the Sims Bayou Greenway.
Interestingly, art enthusiasts flying through Houston may already be familiar with David Cobb’s work. Cobb is also featured in the ongoing cultural collaboration between the Houston Botanic Garden and Houston Airports. Passengers traveling through William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) can view one of Cobb’s paintings inspired by his mural, prominently displayed near the main entrance and security checkpoint. This expanded Houston Botanic Garden exhibition at Hobby Airport now includes a large-scale painting and a stained-glass butterfly sculpture, offering travelers a unique artistic experience within the prestigious 5-Star Skytrax-rated airport.
Houston Airports was recently awarded the World’s Best Airport Art Program at the World Airport Awards for the second year in a row. The cultural collaboration with the Houston Botanic Gardens helped to secure the international win.
“Houston Airports is proud to cultivate cultural collaborations like this one with the Houston Botanic Garden,” said Alton DuLaney, Curator of Public Art for Houston Airports. “By integrating local art into our terminals, we amplify the voices and creative energy of our community. These partnerships transform the airports into vibrant cultural destinations that reflect the spirit of Houston.”
Marine artist Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee captures ocean wonders at Bush Airport
Internationally renowned marine conservation artist Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee brings the beauty of the underwater world to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Folmsbee's awe-inspiring artwork, "Water Wisps, Sanctuary Bubbles," is a 321-foot-long art installation transforming the airport into an underwater sanctuary.
Folmsbee, a Mumbai-born, Houston-based artist, draws inspiration from her SCUBA diving adventures, translating vibrant aquatic seascapes into paintings, drawings, and large-scale public art installations.
"Water Wisps, Sanctuary Bubbles" utilizes nineteen 90-inch diameter windows, original to the airport's architecture. Each window features unique artwork showcasing the delicate movements of marine life within the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, located off the coast of Texas.
Folmsbee's work at Bush Airport – which includes a mural along a 300-foot tunnel connecting Terminals D and E - has garnered international acclaim, including the United Nations Decades of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development award, recognizing her artistic and scientific contributions to marine conservation.
“As part of the International Terminal re-life/refresh program, something was needed to add life and color to these huge round windows” DuLaney added, “Water Wisps does exactly that.”
"Water Wisps” continues to be a favorite among passengers, solidifying Houston Airport's commitment to showcasing the artistic talent and environmental awareness of the region.