Missoula airport mural gives visitors a new way to explore the city

MISSOULA, Mont. — A new art installation at Missoula Montana Airport aims to give travelers a quick feel for the city as soon as they walk into the main lobby.

The airport unveiled the mural in partnership with Destination Missoula. Four artists created the piece, which ties together several parts of Missoula through local symbols and interactive features.

The display includes a large surfboard, metal flowers and fish, a decorated guitar and a carousel pony. It also has an old telephone that connects visitors directly with Destination Missoula for trip help, along with tablets meant to make planning easier.

Artist Courtney Blazon said the mural was built around the seasons of Missoula and the Clark Fork River.

"Was making it the seasons of Missoula up and using the Clark Fork River as the connector. So it starts with summer at the top, fall, winter and then spring is at the very bottom. I hope that the appreciate is that, like, even though we can't see it and that like, Missoula is a city in a lot of ways, like the thing that makes it special, aside from the vibrant human community, is like our vibrant artists or, in animal community and nature community," Blazon said.

Artist Paul Bormore said he hopes the work helps shape first impressions for people arriving in Missoula.

"I'm thrilled to be part of that, influence that newcomers, get of seeing. Oh, this is what Missoula are about. And, yeah, the art and the history is are the two main things I would say we we're proud of here," Bormore said.

Artist Jeff Stevens said the installation stands out because people can do more than just look at it.

"It is certainly the largest, piece of art in the community. And it's an interactive piece of art. Just doesn't just sit there and people ride it. They participate in it. They can admire it, they can touch it. And, it's, that makes it a really important piece of art in this community," Stevens said.

Artist Sherri Davidoff said the carousel pony reflects both the work itself and the city around it.

"You know, making this pony. Art is a journey, not a destination. And so it's Missoula. It's a journey. And I think everybody finds themselves challenged by our community. And that's what you get from the small art installation. They're not just static pieces. Each piece represents a collaboration, a part of the fabric of our community," Davidoff said.

Airport leaders encouraged visitors to stop by the mural and use the phone and tablets in the lobby to learn more about Missoula and plan their stay through Destination Missoula.