The moments being held are artistic interpretations of life during the global pandemic and the challenges of overcoming social injustices that have plagued our country for far too long.

On display in Arrivals Terminal B are 96 artworks by 77 artists who have used their skills to send messages of hope and courage to local, national and now worldwide audiences.

“COVID-19 inspired incredible adjustments and emotions, and artists are among those most severely impacted,” said John Aitken, director of aviation. “We’re proud to display the work of these talented local artists to people from around the world right here at Mineta San Jose International.”

Several more positive layers add to this exhibit’s strength.  Free speech, protecting democracy and practicing the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion immediately come to mind.

So does economic development.  Indeed, each selected artwork received $2,500, which supports San Jose’s amazing artist community.  The fact that the works are being housed in one of the City’s largest economic engines should not be lost.

Also to be recognized are the recent efforts by several of the featured artists turning out in the downtown area (another economic engine) to unify our approach to social issues as well as support small businesses during the worst of times:

• Arely Cardenas and Ben Henderson participated in Local Color’s Solid SJ protest murals on downtown windows and boarded-up storefronts in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing.
• Corinne Okada Takara also contributed to the protest murals.She and Lacey Bryant were previously commissioned to create art crosswalks in the downtown core.
• Rayos Magos, Mathew Scicluna and Brittni Paul contributed to Local Color’s Hella Gardens projects, in which storefronts were spruced up with floral artworks.

“This public art project provides a critical opportunity to local artists at a time when they need it most,” said Michael Ogilvie, public art director.

Visit the OCA's web page to see the art works on display, November 1, 2020 through May 31, 2021.