Public Art Award: Portland International Airport (PDX)
In 2016 and 2017, Whitney Nye was selected for the Artist in Residence initiatives at Portland International Airport (PDX)—first in the B Concourse (2013–2014) and later in the A Concourse (2016–2017). These residencies were part of PDX's longstanding commitment to integrating world-class art into the traveler experience, reinforcing the airport’s reputation as one of the premier venues for public art in any U.S. airport.
PDX: One of the Nation’s Best Airport Art Collections
PDX is routinely recognized for its thoughtful fusion of art, architecture, and regional identity. The PDX Art Program manages a dynamic mix of permanent installations, rotating exhibitions, a public gallery, and a microcinemashowcasing local short films Regional Arts and Culture Councilpdxart.portofportland.online+1FlyPDX.
With its new main terminal unveiling a forest-like environment—complete with over 5,000 live plants, natural light from skylights, and calming pet therapy programs—it solidified its aesthetic and experiential leadership among U.S. airports New York PostThe SunWikipedia.
Art Selection: Thoughtful, Inclusive, and Regionally Rooted
The selection process for PDX's public artworks is collaborative and inclusive. The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) and the Port of Portland convene a diverse Art Selection Committee, including artists, curators, and Port staff, to invite and review submissions. Finalists are compensated for proposal development and travel, before site visits and interviews determine final commissions Regional Arts and Culture Council+1artist.callforentry.org.
Committed to diversity, the program actively seeks equitable representation of voices, cultural backgrounds, and artistic practices, ensuring new installations resonate authentically with the communities PDX serves Regional Arts and Culture Council+1Port of Portland.
Featured Artists and Commissions
Recent additions include:
James Lavadour and Ryan Pierce, chosen in 2025 to create large-scale 2D public artworks for the new main terminal—installations expected to debut in 2026 Regional Arts and Culture CouncilPort of Portland.
Other rotating and permanent artworks by artists like Hiroko Cannon, Ron Jude, and contributors from Eutectic Gallery, contributing to an evolving cultural experience within the terminals pdxart.portofportland.online+1FlyPDX.
Why Whitney Nye’s Residency Mattered
Whitney’s residency at PDX stands out not just for presenting her unique visual language to a wide, transient audience—but for reflecting PDX’s deeper mission: fostering meaningful connections between art, place, and people. Her time at the airport aligned with PDX’s dedication to:
Showcasing regionally inspired and immersive artwork.
Inviting creative discovery in otherwise routine travel spaces.
Enhancing cultural and visual narratives that travelers carry with them beyond their journey.
