Emerging artists upcycle Delta aircraft parts in Miami during art week

03.01.2024 - 09:40 / traveldailynews.com / Delta Air Lines / Vicky Karantzavelou / Art

As part of the Delta’s ongoing efforts to support emerging talent, the airline commissioned pieces from these six up-and-coming artists to elevate their work to new audiences and showcase their talents during one of the art world’s biggest weekends.

Situated high above Miami Beach, six artists put their passions on full display by upcycling old Delta aircraft parts into works of art at an open-air gallery event hosted by Delta in Miami to celebrate art week.

As part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to support emerging talent, Delta commissioned pieces from these six up-and-coming artists to elevate their work to new audiences and showcase their talents during one of the art world’s biggest weekends. The immersive galleries – both in the air and on the ground – featured commissioned pieces as well as past work from the artists, inspiring guests to explore their own connections between art and travel.

The commissioned pieces were crafted from handpicked materials from retired Delta aircraft. Each artist utilized their own creative vision to transform these materials into unique pieces of art, with many exploring new mediums and disciplines.

While Delta continues to boost its presence in South Florida with additional flights from Miami, it is also investing in the local arts community with a contribution to Arts Access at The Miami Foundation. In celebration of the partnership with these six Miami-born and based artists, the donation will help provide access and arts education to children in the Miami area to inspire the next generation of artists to take flight.

Jillian Mayer
Glass Plain, 2023
Aluminum, Steel, Glass 

“This opportunity with Delta allowed me to actualize a steel and glass sculpture that I have been wanting to make for years. The wing flaps on the plane were in conversation with materials that made the most sense for my practice at the time, so I was able to move forward with this vision.  The shapes of the glass for my sculpture call to the windows on the plane, which becomes an obvious focal point for travelers. The colors and the abstract shape were informed by one’s journey while ascending, and how the visuals quickly distort into beautiful abstract shapes. Focusing on the hues of blues and greens.” – Jillian Mayer

Derek Abella
Kendall, 2023
UV Prints, Acrylic Paint on Trolley-Cart Trays 

“My work combined my usual digital style with a more painterly style I usually only do in my sketchbook. Utilizing 12 trolley cart trays as canvases, I illustrated scenes of moments that have brought me peace when staying in Kendall, the Miami neighborhood I grew up in.” – Derek Abella

Olivia Pedigo
The Pursuit of Specialness, 2023
Vinyl Print on Titanium Fan Blades 

“I found inspiration in the