ART TAKES FLIGHT

Discover Deidre Hardin's Inspiring Journey at the San Antonio International Airport

The Eye of The Beholder Art Gallery and the San Antonio Airport unite to showcase local talent, transforming the airport into a dynamic canvas for cultural expression.

BY LEROY ADAMS | DECEMBER 29, 2023

Here's something you might not expect to hear: I absolutely love airports. 

You're probably thinking, "Leroy! Long lines, delays, impatient crowds, crowded bars, and TSA!

Yes, amidst the long lines, shoulder-bumping crowds, and hangry TSA officials, many airports today feature gems of cultural and artistic expression with the ability to transport ideas and minds. They're like vibrant canvases, showcasing an eclectic mix of art and cultural treasures, often reflecting their city's unique heartbeat and vibes. Imagine wandering through the Atlanta airport and stumbling upon a Zimbabwean sculpture exhibit. Each piece, a symphony in stone, tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship. Or picture Qatar's 'Lamp Bear,' a massive thought-provoking installation fusing color and form, turning an airport corner into a space of wonder.

Airports have become a destination in and of themselves with mini art exhibits connecting travelers to local talent, and cultural gifts from other countries, or providing an opportunity to experience exhibits shared by local art galleries they might have missed during their visit.

Located on the East side of San Antonio, The Eye of The Beholder Art Gallery features the work of local, national, and international contemporary artists. The gallery exposes visitors to paintings, sculptures, and wearable art from local artists or nearby cities like Dallas, Texas, or countries as far as Nigeria. The gallery's founder, Maria Williams, is not shy about her determination to have as many people as possible experience the work of these fantastic artists, which is why we were excited to receive an invitation from Maria to attend the reveal of Deidre Hardin, a.k.a The Tin Woman's exhibit in the San Antonio airport. 

The Eye of The Beholder Art Gallery

Experience Art Before Takeoff

Be sure to arrive at the airport early during your next trip. Once you get there, head to the Southwest Airlines check-in desk and turn around. Deidre's "Visual Testimony" is a mesmerizing collection where each copper-based sculpture is a silent yet powerful narrator of her health journey. The metal twists and turns, capturing the resilience and grace of a life lived with courage. Deidre, A Lupus survivor, says, "From her pain came her purpose." When she was diagnosed with Lupus, Deidre researched natural remedies, as opposed to pills and topical steroids, for pain relief. She learned that untreated copper benefits circulatory and nerve cell health naturally. 

Her creative spirit eventually took over, guiding her to her purpose. 

First, she began creating rings and bracelets (you can see this wearable art at the Eye of The Beholder gallery) to keep her hands malleable to continue creating art as a form of self-prescribed therapy. 

Deidre's artistic evolution over two decades is a story of triumphs. Her latest creations are a visual feast for travelers passing by - imagine armor adorned with colorful fabric, delicate pearls, and soft feathers, all harmonizing with her signature copper design style. Her beloved figure sculptures are not just mere forms but potent narratives carved in metal and emotion. Each figure, a testament to her journey, is meticulously crafted with copper, symbolizing her strength and resilience. The copper isn't just applied; it's intentionally placed over their Black skin, highlighting specific body parts that mirror the struggles and triumphs of her journey with Lupus. 

We were moved by her story and artistic journey when we visited the inspiring exhibit. So were others, exemplified by the travelers stopping by to view her work, hear her story, or take a photo with the Tin Woman. I asked Deidre what message she hopes travelers walk away with after experiencing her work:

“It's the empowerment of taking back what we may have lost, mentally or physically. The copper design strands represent a moment in my life journey. Each piece has spirals, twists, and turns because nothing is always a straight line in living. However, as I continue to move forward with good, bad, or indifferent situations, linking these experiences becomes an amazing, intricate pattern of my journey. It continues to build and get stronger and beautifully intertwined.”

Travelers from Chile stopped by to meet Deidre and hear her story.

Deidre’s family and Maria share view the gallery together.

Her Time Is Now

With an impressive community of artists to choose from, we asked Maria what specific elements of Deidre's work influenced her decision to feature it at the airport: 

“Deidre [Hardin] has works that speak of her health journey and touches the masses with understanding. The way she sculpts her pieces, the movement of the copper, there's an elegance in the flow. Yes, it's metal, but she gives it softer intricacies, even how she molds with the clay she uses. Why Deidre? It IS her time.”

When you speak with Maria, you quickly understand that her passion drives her to push cultural expression for Black artists, partnering with local institutions and places like the airport to allow them to feature local talent.

“As with every exhibition, we are given the opportunity to install. I seek to push our cultural expression and the beauty of that expression. Black artists are part of the diverse tapestry in the art industry, whether here in San Antonio or anywhere in the world. Being in the airport gives Deidre a global presence, and many artists of The Art Four Initiative have had this great opportunity. Deidre's exhibit is out third with the airport, this being the first solo exhibition.”

A Celebration of Place

Earlier this year, the San Antonio Airport unveiled a model of the new San Antonio International Airport terminal. This terminal, along with plans to open a 5-gate ground load facility, is a part of their 2040 Strategic Development Plan, which was approved by the city council in 2021. According to city manager Erick Walsh, "The Strategic Development Plan (SDP) envisions a modern airport with a strong sense of place that firmly lands San Antonio as a world-class airport." 

Matthew Evans, the Special Projects Manager for the San Antonio airport, oversees the installation of exhibits. During the reveal, he shared how creating a space for local artists aligns with the airport's image and goal to create a "sense of place" for visitors:

“The arts program at SAT aims to communicate a "celebration of place" to the "over 10 million travelers who use our facilities each year. When local artists share their work through exhibits at the airport, they infuse our community's identity into the hearts of all those who bear witness. Through exhibits like the one installed today, passengers are exposed to a puro San Antonio experience as soon as they step off the plane. Generally, art at the airport provides an aesthetic enhancement to what is otherwise a fairly sterile (and occasionally stressful) environment. Beyond that, the airport as a gallery space offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for artists and audiences alike to discover and engage with one another.”

Left to Right: Maria Williams, Matthew Evans, Deidre Hopkins, Leroy Adams

Deidre's Tin Woman exhibit is not just an art display; it's a journey, a celebration, and a testament to resilience. A message we can all benefit from and get behind. Deidre's work at the San Antonio Airport invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the power of art in the most unexpected places. 

So, on your next airport adventure, immerse yourself in Deidre's "Visual Testimony." It's more than an art display; it's a story about a personal journey that uplifts and inspires, elevating your spirit even before your flight takes off.