For Immediate Release
June 17, 2023
Contact:
Los Angeles World Airports Public Relations
(424) 646-5260
VAN NUYS AIRPORT UNITES COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF ARTS EDUCATION WITH TRANSFORMATIVE AIRCRAFT PAINTING EVENT
Hundreds of Los Angeles Youth and Local Families Collaborate to Paint Decommissioned Learjet 60
(Van Nuys, CA) On Saturday, June 17, Van Nuys Airport played host to a unique event that brought together the local community in support of arts education. Los Angeles youth, along with families from community neighborhoods, joined forces to paint a decommissioned Learjet 60, creating a meaningful display of creativity and solidarity.
AQMNI, a talented local artist duo, led the painting efforts, while Dreamline Aviation and Signature Flight Support provided valuable assistance. The enthusiastic participation of local youth brought life to the endeavor as they painted an actual airplane to raise funds for Arts Bridging the Gap, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering arts in under-resourced communities across Los Angeles.
“The Arts Bridging the Gap and Dreamline teams hosted this event on our leasehold at the Van Nuys Airport as part of Signature’s commitment to the community and arts programming. We can’t imagine a better use of our resources then to support this amazing event,” said Niall Mulcahy, Regional Vice President, Signature Flight Support.
“The creation of art connects kids and all of us to our free-est happiest selves,” said Georgia Van Cuylenburg, Founding Director, Arts Bridging the Gap. “And when that art is on something that flew through the air, then you are proving to kids that anything is possible with a little hard work, imagination and paint.”
Following the completion of the transformation, the vibrant aircraft will be displayed at a public location in Los Angeles, to be announced at a later date. This awe-inspiring masterpiece will be accessible to all, serving as a symbol of boundless potential and a tribute to the remarkable achievements that can be accomplished when youth and the community come together to dream.
“Not many people can say they have hung out on the ramp of an airport and painted a plane,” said Barry Snyder, COO of Dreamline Aviation. “Especially one that will be on permanent display in their city. The plane will ‘land’ as a lasting testimony to what is possible when youth and their community come together to dream.”
The plane's design, created by AQMNI and inspired by the ideas and imagination of children from Casa Esperanza in Panorama City, features a Peregrine Falcon soaring through a timeless cosmos—a representation of the children's dreams taking flight through art. As the community came together to paint the airplane, planes continued to arrive and depart from the airport, creating captivating moments for attendees of all ages.
“We are thrilled to have hosted this unique event that brought together our vibrant community and showcased the power of art and collaboration,” said Paul Herrera, Airport Manager, Van Nuys Airport. “Van Nuys Airport is committed to supporting initiatives that foster creativity and empower our youth.”
Van Nuys Airport served as the remarkable backdrop for a transformative aircraft painting event that united the local community in support of arts education. The participating organizations invited their employees, clients, and stakeholders to join AQMNI and the youth in the painting process. The celebration took place on the airport tarmac, complete with delicious food, beverages, live music, and an abundance of artistic expression.
A link to photos and b-roll is available here.
VNY is one of two airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council.
One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service. Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY had over 232,000 operations in 2020. More than 200 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including four major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies. Annually, the airport contributes approximately $2 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 10,000 jobs. In addition, VNY provides programs to benefit local residents, along with educational initiatives and aviation-related career and training opportunities. For more information, visit iflyvny.com, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/VNYOfficial, follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.
