Unearthing Black Gold brings beauty, meaning, and a sense of place to the airport experience
Fort McMurray, AB – A striking new art installation has officially joined the YMM Collection at Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM), welcoming travellers with a bold and colourful tribute to the region’s energy story.
Unearthing Black Gold: A Tribute to Human Endeavour and Innovation is a four-panel acrylic paint on metal artwork by local artist Alexandra Kavanagh. Installed in the YMM Courtyard on Level 1, the piece captures the full life cycle of the oil sands through the themes of Mining, Refining, Sustainability, and Reclamation.
“This work speaks to the ingenuity, effort, and pride that shape Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo,” said Jessica Lipton, Manager of Marketing and Communications with the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “We’re proud to share that story with travellers the moment they arrive, and to shine a light on the incredible talent within our own community.”
Alexandra, a self-taught artist originally from Québec, has called Fort McMurray home for the past decade. Her creative style draws inspiration from the region’s industrial landscape, blending structure and scale with vibrant colour and movement. The installation took more than two hundred hours to complete.
“This piece is about recognizing the people and the process behind one of the most defining industries in our country,” said Kavanagh. “It was a privilege to bring that story to life.”
The project was made possible through the support of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s Public Art Program, and the artwork is now proudly recognized in both the YMM Art Collection and the Municipal Public Art Collection.
“By investing in public art, we’re investing in our stories” says Theresa Buller, Coordinator with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, “amplifying the voices of local artists and in making those stories visible to everyone who lives here and visits.”
At YMM, art plays a central role in creating a terminal experience that is welcoming, meaningful, and reflective of the region we serve. Unearthing Black Gold is a vivid reminder of what makes this community unique – and a beautiful new addition for all who pass through.
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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.
Fort McMurray Airport Authority Media Contact:
Jessica Lipton, Manager, Marketing & Communications
780-880-0333 / Jessica.Lipton@flyymm.com