Pop-up artist demos create layovers for art lovers at Miami Airport

Credit: Miami International Airport

Our Inspiration

The inspiration for our Artist Demo Summer Series stems from our mission to further enhance the airport experience and create a more welcoming and entertaining atmosphere for all Miami International Airport (MIA) visitors. These artist demonstrations bring the creative process to life, allowing passengers of all ages to witness art being made and to join in the process as well. This initiative complements the existing exhibitions within our Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs program and enriches our entire menu of cultural offerings. Our goal is to establish MIA as a space where art is not just displayed but experienced, creating a dynamic environment where visitors can connect with culture and creativity while they are with us.  

The Artist Demo Summer Series provides another opportunity for us to showcase local talent and promote Miami-Dade County’s rich and diverse culture, while providing passengers with memorable and enriching interactions during their downtime.  In this way, we hope to create lasting, positive impressions that resonate with travellers long after they’ve left the airport.

We’d also like to give a shout-out to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), whose Art@PHL program introduced artist demonstrations several years ago. Their successful programming also inspired us at MIA.

Enhancing the passenger experience

In addition to the Artist Demo Series and our overall Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Program, MIA offers an award-winning directory of shopping, dining, and lounge options. MIA Galleries, our larger arts program, features a year-round schedule of rotating visual art exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists and collections from nearby museums and cultural institutions. The Artist Demo Series now provides an opportunity to deepen our connection between art, artists, and passengers through these interactive experiences.

Passengers now have the chance to interact with local artists, ask questions, and produce their own small works of art, creating memorable experiences that make layovers feel shorter and more enjoyable.

Credit: Miami International Airport

Wood-block prints made easy

Our first artist demo was by Miami artist and illustrator Brian Reedy. He painstakingly hand-carves on wood blocks – a time-intensive process that results in bold, exquisite, and easily recognisable prints. His work is influenced by traditional Ukiyo-E Japanese and European Medieval block prints, which are centuries-old, difficult techniques. Brian makes his process easily accessible by demonstrating how, with some simple tools, anyone can make prints using linoleum or soft rubber blocks, block printing ink, and a hand roller.

Credit: Miami International Airport

Traveller engagement

The first three demos drew a total audience of 90 participants, including six passengers who were so engaged that they participated in the entire two-hour demonstration, making it feel more like a workshop than a demo!

Passengers of all ages and backgrounds have engaged in the demos. We saw whole families bonding over a collaborative painting experience and individuals who enjoyed the calming or fun distraction of creating art before their flight. The demos transformed their airport experience into something personal and memorable, and we think these experiences will resonate with them long after they board their flights.

Promoting Miami’s diverse cultural identity

Artists play a pivotal role in promoting Miami’s cultural identity and creating a sense of place.  They bring a unique perspective from the local art scene and from their own experiences travelling the globe. After engaging with artists and learning their insights and creative processes, travellers gain a deeper appreciation for the local community and its artistic roots. Artists not only enrich the airport experience by helping travellers understand and appreciate various artistic expressions, but they also act as ambassadors of Miami’s cultural identity.

Reedy’s block prints incorporate elements of fantasy narrative, often inspired by his travels and the architecture of India, Japan, and Thailand. They have been showcased at galleries worldwide, from Chicago to Melbourne.

Donna is a retired adjunct professor at Florida International University in Miami who has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions locally, nationally, and internationally. In 2004, she received an American Society of Botanical Artists grant to teach botanical illustration to the indigenous people of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

Credit: Miami International Airport

Expansion plans

We plan to continue this series every summer and introduce more artists who work in various media. We are also pursuing a live arts series that will feature music, dance, and performance art. These initiatives not only enhance the cultural atmosphere of the airport but also provide travellers with more opportunities to engage with and appreciate the diverse artistic expressions that represent our vibrant community. Expanding the Artist Demo Series, introducing similar cultural programs, and continuing to showcase thoughtful contemporary art exhibitions throughout our gallery spaces are all part of our commitment to enriching the passenger experience.

About the author 

Credit: Miami International Airport

Ralph Cutié is the Director and Chief Executive Officer of Miami International Airport. He oversees operations at MIA and four general aviation airports in the Miami area, which together generate $181.4 billion in business revenue and support 842,703 direct, indirect, related, and induced jobs. MIA leads the way, handling 56 million passengers and 3 million tons of cargo annually, placing it among America’s busiest international passenger and cargo airports.