Sacramento airport’s artful Terminal B

More airports are gracing their public spaces with art displays. One of the most notable is Sacramento International Airport, whose new $1-billion Terminal B is now exhibiting 12 major public pieces. Airport passengers passing through are able to view the collection, and the general public is invited to attend guided tours that will run through the end of the year.

Ten of the 12 artists are from California, including UCLA professor Christian Moeller. Moeller’s work, entitled “The Baggage Handlers,” is a two-wall tribute to the behind-the-scenes workers at airports.

Also notable is MacArthur “genius” award fellow Camille Utterback, who used 14 giant flat-screen monitors, installed on a three-story glass elevator. The screens play animations of falling leaves and a river.

“Airports are the gateways to our region, and we’re proud that these artworks will play a role in shaping the perception of Sacramento natives and visitors,” said Rhyena Halpern, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission’s executive director.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission will be leading art tours weekly throughout 2011. For information, call (916) 808-3995. To make a reservation for groups of 10 or more, call (916) 386-8240.