Even though it’s fall, a lone dogwood branch is still in full bloom at Richmond International Airport (RIC). In fact, the larger-than-life artwork will provide year-round color and blossoms for decades to come.
Portraying the state tree in a 24-foot-tall sculpture is RIC’s way of “going all-in on the Virginia aesthetic.” It is also the airport’s first public art installation.
“TRAVEL COMPANIONS is a celebration of nature, culture and diversity, reflecting the rich ecological and social tapestry of Virginia,” says artist Matthew Mazzotta. “This sculpture captures a moment of wondrous harmony between flora and fauna.”
The dogwood symbolizes RIC, because both are shared hubs that welcome travelers from all over the world. “Just as humans are drawn to their favorite destinations, hummingbirds are attracted to theirs,” Mazzotta explains. “The hummingbirds found in Virginia migrate across vast distances, journeying from Mexico all the way to Canada. These winged travelers often share the very same flight paths we do, serving as a beautiful reminder of our coexistence within a shared world.”
The vibrant colors of the hummingbirds Mazzotta sculpted are a testament to the local ecology and a visual metaphor for the area’s multicultural community.
Airport Communications staff turned to social media for help naming the three birds (one is hiding behind the middle bloom in this photo). By popular vote, they were dubbed Henry, after U.S. Founding Father Patrick Henry; Hollywood to honor Richmond’s historic Hollywood Cemetery; and Hummie Mae, a twist on the runner-up suggestion of Hammie Mae for a pygmy hippo born at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
The three fallen leaves underneath the birds and blossoms are made of durable fiberglass and steel, allowing airport guests to physically interact with the artwork. As intended, children crawl under the leaf shown on the left, and the one in the foreground is a sought-after curved seat. Naturally, they’re all popular places to pose for photos.
TRAVEL COMPANIONS is located between the airport’s two parking garages to maximize viewing exposure. The project came to fruition this past July with ongoing guidance from Designing Local, the consultant that began helping RIC develop its public art plan in 2022.
“As we enter a period of transformation that will change the face of the airport, this striking artwork featuring the state tree and flower of Virginia will greet passengers and serve as a bright reminder that you’ve arrived at RIC.,” says Airport President and Chief Executive Officer Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P.
The $400,000 project (including commission and installation) was fully funded by the Capital Region Airport Commission, which owns and operates RIC.
Mazzotta is no stranger to the airport sector. His broad collection of public artwork includes the purple-striped jellyfish outside Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (RISE),
and the floor-to-ceiling flamingo inside Tampa International Airport (HOME).
