Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s “D” Concourse at Terminal 4 is making travel more interesting with a new public artwork inspired by joke shop toys and American icons.
The Arts Guys, a Houston-based artist team of Michael Galbreth and Jack Massing, recently completed installation of the work, “American Freeze (or Everybody Frieze),” on the wall above the entry from the concourse into the main terminal. The artists, known for their comic approach to art, were chosen for the project in late 2001 by a selection panel that included local artists, Aviation Department staff and airline representatives. The project was funded by Aviation Department Percent-for-Art Funds and managed by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Public Art Program.
"American Freeze (or Everybody Frieze)" is constructed of aluminum panels cut into images based on gag gifts, toys and items from popular culture. The panels were rolled, bent and welded together to form a series of intertwined shapes mounted on the wall in a playful version of a “frieze,” a traditional architectural wall ornament. The images were inspired by The Art Guys' extensive collection of Americana and joke imagery and were selected to provide humor in a busy airport environment. The work was developed in collaboration with the Aviation Department and the “D” Concourse architects, Phoenix-based DWL Architects.
The Art Guys’ work is the latest addition to the collection of the Phoenix Airport Museum. Through a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports, the program’s mission is to enhance the public’s experience by creating memorable environments in the airport that promote Arizona's unique artistic and cultural heritage.
The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, which manages Phoenix Public Art, was established by the Phoenix City Council in 1985 to advance the growth and development of the city’s arts and cultural community.
To learn more about Phoenix Public Art, visit phoenix.gov/arts.
