Rebecca Youssef, the founder and co-event producer of Art at the Airport, recognized the lingering impact the pandemic had on the artists-in-residence at Santa Monica Airport Arts Center Studios 3026. Although accustomed to working in solitude for extended periods, the artists experienced a heightened sense of isolation due to the lack of interaction with their peers and the wider artistic community.

 

As pandemic restrictions began to ease, Youssef saw the need to revitalize the studios and re-energize the resident artists, so she took action. "The mission was to bring back a sense of connection and community among the artists who had been profoundly impacted by the pandemic," explains Youssef. She penned a proposal and successfully secured the Art of Recovery Grant, an initiative by Santa Monica Cultural Affairs, to produce a series of artist-led, open studio events in the historic airplane hangar that houses the studios of over 25 working artists.

 

Teaming up with Airport artist Alexandra Dillon,  Art at the Airport succeeded in reinvigorating the artists' creativity and motivated them to create and exhibit new artwork to the public. The events also acted as a catalyst for reconnecting artists with the Santa Monica community. What began as a small community gathering has blossomed into a significant event, attracting over 500 visitors per event. "It's a testament to the power of art and its ability to bring people together," says co-event producer Alexandra Dillon, “These events mark yet another step forward in Santa Monica's transformation into a thriving arts destination.”

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In Oct. 2024, Art at the Airport, with generous support from Cultural Affairs, City of Santa Monica, presented WHIPLASH: Art in the Ever-Changing Now, our first curated show of the artists in our hangar. Curated by Rebecca Youssef, Alexandra Dillon and April Banks.  The exhibition was a tremendous success, heralding subsequent group shows and increased visibility for the airport artists.