Albany International Airport Partners with Southwest Airlines on New Art Installation 

New Sculpture to Be Unveiled in Spring of 2025, Will Be Created Using Leather Upcycled from Aircraft Seating

 ALBANY, NY (November 20, 2024) – Albany International Airport (ALB), in partnership with Southwest Airlines ® today announced the development of a new art installation, to be unveiled in May 2025 at the Albany International Airport’s main terminal.

For the first time at ALB, Southwest’s award-winning global environmental sustainability initiative, Repurpose with Purpose, is supporting the creation of a site-responsive art installation. The installation will be located on an expansive wall near the Southwest Airlines ticket counters. Ruby Palmer, a Hudson Valley based artist, was invited to develop a new sculpture primarily composed of aircraft seat leather donated by Southwest. Palmer’s design echoes the vivid colors and complex patterns of her cut paper compositions, but on a much larger scale.

“Ruby’s material sensibilities lend themselves perfectly to this very specific challenge,” said Kathy Greenwood, Director of the Airport’s Exhibitions and Programs. “Her integrative approach to sculpture and painting, and openness to experimentation with this unusual product are sure to have remarkable results.”

Titled Treasure Map, the new sculpture will be 16 feet high by 22 feet wide when assembled. She devised a process of adhering the aircraft seat leather sections to one another for strength and durability, and to create a large surface area. After applying a primer, she marked the contours that form the structure and cut around them. A deep, saturated blue dominates this work, though a warm glow cast from the back of the piece on the wall will serve as an added hue.

Today’s announcement coincides with the 10-year anniversary of Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose program, an initiative that creates partnerships with social impact organizations to upcycle and transform aircraft seat leather removed during ongoing aircraft renovations and the aircraft retirement process. Since 2014, Southwest has donated more than $2 million in grants and 1.4 million pounds of leather to provide employment, skills training, and other social benefits for communities.

"Ruby's Treasure Map highlights the art of upcycling in a beautifully unique way, and we couldn't be more thrilled to showcase the Repurpose with Purpose Program alongside our longtime partner, the Albany International Airport," shared Ana Schwager, Senior Corporate Responsibility Program Manager at Southwest Airlines. "We hope that travelers passing by Treasure Map are inspired to consider the possibilities for upcycling and creative reuse in their own lives."

In addition, Southwest began service at Albany International Airport on May 7, 2000. The presentation of this new art installation will celebrate 25 years of this important relationship and contribution to the Capital Region, while reflecting Southwest’s commitment to sustainability and Albany’s commitment to the arts. 

“For more than two decades, Southwest has been a key partner in Albany’s efforts to provide the highest quality air travel to the Capital Region,” said Sam Fresina, Chair of the Albany County Airport Authority Board. “We’re excited to collaborate with them on this creative project and look forward to our continued partnership in the decades to come.”

An event to celebrate the installation of Treasure Map and to mark Southwest’s milestone anniversary at ALB will be announced in the spring of 2025. 

For more about the Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose program, visit: Repurpose with Purpose

For more about the Albany International Airport’s Art & Culture Program, visit Art & Culture Program

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