Airport Hangars in Oregon Get a Bold New Look

Hand-painted World War II Airplane Murals

A Unique Form of Public Art

An outdoor wall mural is large-scale artwork that is painted or applied directly onto exterior walls of buildings, walls, doors, or other surfaces visible in public spaces. These murals are created with the intent of being viewed by a wide audience, serving as a form of public display art, conveying a message, telling a story, or beautifying buildings or structures. Outdoor style wall murals can be found in urban settings, along busy streets, in parks, or in designated art districts, in effect making art accessible to everyone. They reflect the culture, history, or social issues of the community where they are displayed.

Solo Artists

Murals are typically created using a variety of materials and unique artistical techniques, including paint, spray paint, mosaic tiles, or even digital printing. Some murals are created by solo artists, while others take advantage of collaborations among multiple artists or others in the community. These works of art are frequently permanent, lasting for many years, or can be temporary, designed to fade or be replaced as time passes.

The Berlin Wall

There are many outdoor murals of note around the world, each offering a custom visual experience and reflecting the cultural and historical significance of their locations. Perhaps one of the most famous is the East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany. It is an open-air gallery that stretches over a mile, showcasing more than 100 murals painted on remnants of the Berlin Wall. The murals here are special since they signify freedom, peace, and the reunification of Germany.

Colorful Murals That Cover Entire Buildings

Another outstanding and impressive outdoor mural is in Valparaíso, Chile, known for its eclectic and dynamic street art scene. The Cerro Alegre neighborhood is brimming with colorful murals that span entire buildings, turning the streets in essence into an open-air art gallery. These murals do an excellent job of highlighting local culture, history, and social issues.

The History of California

In the United States, Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program has transformed the city into a living canvas with over 4,000 murals. Notable works include “The Roots Mural” by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh and Jetsonorama, which celebrates the city’s diverse cultural heritage and hip-hop music. In Los Angeles, the “Great Wall of Los Angeles” is a 2,754-foot-long mural that depicts the history of California, painted by Judith Baca and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

Concorde Mural

Aviation-themed murals are also found worldwide, celebrating the wonder of flight and human achievement and progress in air travel. One notable example is “Flying Dreams” by Mural Arts Philadelphia, which showcases a series of aircraft and flying figures set against a blue sky, symbolizing dreams, unbridled freedom, and exploration. In Bristol, UK, the “Concorde Mural” by artist Graft is a tribute to the iconic Concorde supersonic airliner, which was, in part, manufactured in the city. Another is the “Aviation History” mural at the San Diego International Airport, showing pivotal moments and influential people and aircraft in aviation.

A Sense of Pride

Murals are not only stunningly impressive works of art, but they also serve as genuine landmarks, creating a truly unique identity for their local communities and fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents and tourists alike. Murals rise to an entirely new level when they take on an aviation theme, as is the case at a small, rather modest airport called Prineville Airport in Oregon.

A Local Artist Who Specializes in Murals

Here you will find a variety of hangars adorned with sharpy-defined paintings of WWII airplanes. It turns out that just last year in 2023, one of the local tenants on the airfield commissioned a local artist who specializes in murals to add large scale artwork to some of the airport’s hangar doors.  Then, as luck would have it, the murals were getting a lot of attention, resulting in the project widening to nearly two dozen doors.

Historical Significance and Aviation Art

Thanks to this project, Prineville Airport in Oregon is now proudly honoring the aviators and flying machines of WWII. This artistic initiative has literally transformed the entire airport landscape, adding a mix of historical significance and aviation art. The artist’s name is Glen Ness, a local with a talent for bringing ordinary structures to life with stunningly detailed mural paintings.

A Commissioned Artist

Twenty-two murals in total now grace the walls and doors at Prineville Airport. On average, it takes Glen around a week to complete a mural of this magnitude. Those with a love of aviation would likely agree that few things compare to the beauty of aviation themed artwork that dresses-up otherwise uninteresting airplane hangars. Jeanne Zerbe is a local resident who commissioned the artist to create such amazing work. The result is a distinctive appearance that sets the airport apart from others.

Mastering the Art of Applying Paint to Corrugated Metal

The U.S. allied forces and the “timepiece” aircraft that they flew are now forever etched into the local landscape. As a note, the artist, Glen Ness, and his benefactor, Jeanne Zerbe, took the time to carefully reference historical records and books to ensure an accurate depiction. This high-quality artwork creates a sense of actual aircraft in flight. That said, one challenge encountered during the project was that of mastering the skill of applying paint to corrugated metal. Now, those visiting by air or car can enjoy the beauty that these works of art clearly convey.

The High Desert Region

Prineville Airport (S39) is a public-use airport located approximately three miles southwest of Prineville, the county seat of Crook County, Oregon. Nestled within the heart of Central Oregon, the airport is perched at an elevation of 3,248 feet and spans over 1,455 acres. It features two asphalt runways, 15/33 and 10/28, allowing for a variety of general aviation activities, including private flights, skydiving, pilot training, and agricultural operations. The airport is managed by the City of Prineville and serves as a gateway to the surrounding areas of the High Desert region, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational fun.

A Vital Local Transportation Hub

The airport has historical significance, as well, dating back to its beginnings in 1942 when it was established as a training base during World War II. Originally built to accommodate the training requirements of military pilots, Prineville Airport has since evolved into a vital local transportation center. Over the decades, it has experienced many improvements, upgrades, and expansions to meet the needs of aviators and the local community. It also doubles as a base for aerial firefighting operations, playing a prime role in protecting the area’s forests and rangelands from destructive wildfires, which are all too common in Central Oregon.

The Timber and Agricultural Industries

Prineville and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions for visitors. The nearby Ochoco National Forest provides excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Prineville Reservoir State Park, just a short drive from the airport, is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. For those who enjoy local history, the A.R. Bowman Museum in downtown Prineville offers insights into the area’s rich past, from Native American history to the development of the timber and agricultural industries. Prineville also allows for easy access to the greater Central Oregon region, known best for its vibrant outdoor culture, scenic beauty, and charming off-the-beaten-path small towns.

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