ARTIST GETS TO THE ROOT OF A BLOSSOMING ECOSYSTEM IN A SOLO ART INSTALLATION AT LA/ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

(Los Angeles, California – May 2, 2016) Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, announces a solo exhibition titled From the Ground Up, featuring Los Angeles artist Cathy Weiss’ twelve colorful woodcut print installations inspired by animals and insects that serve as pollinators and assist plants in reproducing. Weiss’ woodcut prints celebrate the vital role pollinators, germinators, and seed dispersers play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, as well as the abundant beauty of native plants that flourish in Southern California. On display at LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) on the Departures Levels in Terminals 2 and 4, the exhibition is on view for ticketed passengers through January 2017. Pollinators, germinators, and seed dispersers are essential to sustaining a vital and diverse environment; without them humans and animals would not survive. These hard-working species spread seeds for reforestation, which prevents erosion, and produce genetic diversity in the plants they pollinate. To honor the critical function of pollinators, Weiss created twelve “double portraits,” an animal or insect paired with a specific native plant species in colorful woodcut prints on mulberry paper. For example, the monarch butterfly and milkweed plant have a symbiotic relationship. The monarch caterpillar feeds on the milkweed, which makes the caterpillar poisonous to predators such as birds. The milkweed benefits by being pollinated by the monarch butterfly. The woodcut prints feature Weiss’ characteristic intricate detailing, producing imagery that is both delicate and intense. While Weiss’ installation aims to highlight the importance of pollinators to our environment, she also wants to raise awareness about the disturbing decline and disappearance seen worldwide of these indispensable species. “I hope this installation will encourage viewers to consider planting native plants that provide nectar and larval food for pollinators,” states Weiss. About The Los Angeles World Airports Art Program The mission of the LAWA Art Program is to enhance and humanize the travel experience by providing diverse and memorable art experiences. The Art Program includes temporary exhibitions, permanent installations, and cultural performances. With an emphasis on local and regional artists, the Art Program provides access to an array of contemporary artworks that reflect and celebrate the region’s creative caliber. For additional information, please visit www.lawa.org. About LA/Ontario International Airport ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a medium-hub, full-service airport with commercial service to 14 major U.S. cities and through service to many international destinations. There are approximately 60 daily flights offered by 7 carriers. For more information about ONT, visit www.lawa.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONTAirport, and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flyONTairport.