Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo’s energy industry story brought to life through a striking four-piece art installation by Alexandra Kavanagh
Fort McMurray, AB – The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) is proud to unveil a new art installation, titled Unearthing Black Gold, by local artist Alexandra Kavanagh. The artwork celebrates the industry, innovation, and cultural resilience that makes Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo so special.
The unveiling will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 12 p.m. in the Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) Courtyard. The installation is the latest feature in the YMM Collection, part of its vision to create a welcoming and regionally reflective space for travellers and residents to enjoy.
“At YMM, we believe the travel experience should reflect the region it represents,” says Denean Robinson, President and CEO. FMAA. “This powerful installation pays tribute to the energy sector – the primary employer in our region and a vital economic engine for the country. Through Alexandra’s work, we honour the people who drive this industry forward, their spirit of innovation, and their commitment to responsible development. This piece is a meaningful addition to the terminal. We’re grateful for the support of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) to make it possible.”
“We’re proud to support and showcase local talent through meaningful public installations like this one,” says Theresa Buller, Recreation and Culture Coordinator, RMWB. “It’s a beautiful way to honour our community’s identity and inspire dialogue through art.”
Attendees at the unveiling will have the opportunity to meet artist Alexandra Kavanagh and hear firsthand about the inspiration behind her work, the creative process, and the story the installation is meant to tell.
“Creating this piece was deeply personal. It’s a reflection of our shared stories, those rooted in land, family, and resilience,” says Kavanagh. “To have it installed at YMM, where so many journeys begin and end, is an incredible honour.”
The unveiling is open to the public. Guests will enjoy refreshments, meet the artist, and explore the artwork firsthand. Register to attend HERE.
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About Fort McMurray International Airport | flyymm.com
Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) is owned and operated by the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA). YMM connects the world to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. YMM offers direct flights to three major Canadian cities and acts as the launch point for air taxi services to various remote communities. The airport is a major economic driver for the region, with an economic impact of over $290 million, supporting over 40 businesses and 500 jobs on airport campus.
About Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo | rmwb.com
Rich in Indigenous history and cultural diversity, Wood Buffalo is home to residents from all over the world. At more than 66,300 square kilometres, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is the largest municipality in Canada and is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in the nation. The RMWB’s municipal art program is intended to strengthen community identity and sense of place through the creation and development of public art within the region.
About Alexandra Kavanagh | https://www.akfineart.ca/
Alexandra is a self-taught artist, who began her journey into art at a very young age. Influenced by architecture and design she spent her days sketching out floorplans and buildings. She developed and honed her craft, primarily, while working in the oil sands of Fort McMurray, Alberta, over the past seven years. Her current work, which celebrates the industry, has strengthened her connection to it, fueling her desire to be a part of this snapshot, in the history of human ingenuity.
Fort McMurray Airport Authority Media Contact:
Jessica Lipton, Manager, Marketing & Communications
780-880-0333 / Jessica.Lipton@flyymm.com