Here is a rendering of “Riparian” by HUA Design Studios, one of the new permanent art installations planned at Sacramento International Airport. Photo courtesy of Sacramento International Airport

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Sacramento International Airport (SMF) continues its public art program with a $2-million investment in three permanent art installations as part of its SMForward expansion.

The artwork will be featured in the new pedestrian walkway, offering travelers an immersive and inspiring experience that reflects the region’s natural beauty, history and culture.

"These installations are a reflection of Sacramento’s vibrant history and commitment to public art, which has the power to transform spaces and create a sense of place,” said Sacramento County First District Supervisor Phil Serna. "These installations will celebrate Sacramento’s identity and enhance the journey for millions of travelers who pass through SMF each year."

The selected works explore themes of migration, movement and connection, featuring large-scale sculptures, intricate designs inspired by local landscapes and celestial-inspired imagery.

The artists responded to the idea to “bring the outside in” and built upon what makes the Sacramento region unique.

One installation is “Preserved Flight Path” by David Brooks, showcasing avian flight paths in aluminum and endangered local bird sculptures in the Pedestrian Walkway Hub.

David Brooks’ “Preserved Flight Path” is one of the new permanent art installations planned at Sacramento International Airport. Photo courtesy of Sacramento International Airport

The second installation is “Riparian” by HUA Design Studios (Huameng Yu & Louis Chinn), evoking the Natomas Basin’s habitat with thousands of suspended glass rondelles forming a murmuration, geographic brass inlays and native plant motifs.

The third installation is “Blue Moon (Theia)” by John Roloff, transforming the walkway into a cosmic-inspired space with translucent lunar imagery and meteorite-inspired flooring.

“Our goal in this art program is to cultivate an unforgettable experience for every traveler,” said Sacramento County Director of Airports Cindy Nichol. “The artists will create a welcoming, inspiring environment for travelers while celebrating our region’s culture, ecology, and spirit of innovation.”

The new selections join iconic sculptures such as “Leap,” the red rabbit in Terminal B and the giant whimsical luggage carts, “Samson,” in Terminal A.

The artists were chosen through a search process and request for qualifications with the Pedestrian Walkway Hub being open to a national search and the north and south walkways open to regional artists.

The public art program is a key component of SMForward, the airport’s $1.4-billion expansion plan, which includes new parking, a pedestrian walkway and terminal improvements. The installations are expected to be completed alongside the new facilities, further establishing Sacramento International Airport as a gateway to Northern California’s creativity and diversity.