Fort Wayne International Airport Unveils Public Art Piece, “Oculus”, by Gordon Huether as a New Entry-Landmark
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) has officially dedicated its public art piece, “Oculus”. Along with “Oculus” artist, Gordon Huether, FWA welcomed community members, art donors, and airport Art Selection Committee members to celebrate the airport’s community art piece and formally recognize those involved in the project.
“Oculus” was created by Napa, California artist Gordon Huether, who is known for his large-scale, site-specific permanent artwork installations - including those at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) where he also serves as the consulting artist for the entire SLC airport art program. Huether was chosen following a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process that saw over forty submissions from local, national and international artists.
Boasting a visually stunning mix of materials, shapes, colors and lighting effects, the installation celebrates the rich history of aviation, enhances the airport’s visual appeal, promotes the state of Indiana and provides a unique and interactive space for passenger experiences. “Oculus” stands in front of the FWA terminal building with four, 18-foot stainless steel “wings” meant to reflect airplane wings. Each wing features laser-cut patterns featuring iconic images relating to aviation and the state of Indiana including airplanes, music notes, apple tree branches, and “hello” in a number of languages. In the center of Oculus is a dichroic glass disk suspended from the frame that reflects a number of colors.
“The concept for Oculus takes inspiration from the fluid and iconic shape of airplane wings and establishes the viewer’s engagement with the history of aviation in the state. Its four, 18-foot stainless steel ‘wings’ elegantly designed to resemble airplane wings also provide the support for an open yet structured space for visitors to enjoy.” said artist Gordon Huether.
“Oculus” was made possible by the generous donations of several Fort Wayne area businesses. Platinum Level donors were Steel Dynamics, Franklin Electric, and STAR Bank. Gold Level donors were Fort Wayne Metals, Indiana Michigan Power, Rothberg Law Firm, and USI Insurance Services. Silver Level donors include Hylant, CHA Consulting, and Petroleum Traders Corporation. Mead & Hunt, FWA’s architectural firm for the East and West Terminal Expansion projects and Michael Kinder and Sons, who served as construction manager on the West Terminal Expansion and Renovation Project were also Silver Level donors to the public art project.
“Oculus would not be possible without the generous contributions of our donors and assistance of those that served on the airport’s Art Selection Committee. FWA is the region’s airport, and this is reflected in the organizations and individuals who helped bring this art to life.” said Scott Hinderman, Executive Director of Airports. “We are proud to have such a large public art piece on the FWA campus created by an artist with Gordon Huether’s caliber. This type of art installation will allow passengers and guests at FWA to engage and immerse themselves with public art that ties to the airport, as well as our community, and beyond.”
The installation of Oculus was completed by Gordon Huether and team members from Gordon Huether Studios. Strebig Construction served as the contractor for the concrete work surrounding the art piece. Work was completed on the installation earlier in the spring.
Passengers and guests to the airport are welcome and encouraged to engage with “Oculus” during their visit to the airport.
About Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) was created in 1985 and is responsible for managing the Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport. The airport authority is governed by a six-member board appointed by the Mayor of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Commissioners. Serving northeast Indiana and the surrounding region, FWA offers nonstop service to 13 cities on four airlines. In 2023, FWA served 795,750 passengers – a record year for passenger traffic. As a result of FWACAA’s commitment to customer service, Fort Wayne International Airport was recognized by USA Today as one of the friendliest airports in the nation. For more information about the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, visit www.FWAirport.com.
About Gordon Huether
Gordon Huether was born in Rochester, NY in 1959, to German immigrant parents. Having dual citizenship in Germany and the U.S., Huether has spent much time traveling between both countries. Huether learned art composition and appreciation at an early age from his father.
Committed to the goal of creating a lasting impact on the world around him, Gordon Huether founded his studio in 1987 in Napa, California with a mission to create large-scale site-specific permanent artwork installations. Working extensively with metals, glass, lighting, synthetic materials and often incorporating repurposed objects, Huether’s work ranges from integrated architectural installations to freestanding sculptures, to immersive artwork for landscape settings. He offers viewers a complex intellectual experience that tells a story rooted in viewers’ understanding of the site where the work is located. Community engagement, the project goals, and the site itself drive his selection of materials, approach, and concept. Learn more: About Gordon Huether – Gordon Huether