Student designed rocking chairs at YMM add comfort, accessibility and a welcoming local touch for travellers
Fort McMurray, AB – Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) is proud to unveil a new collaborative art initiative featuring hand painted rocking chairs created by students from Father Patrick Mercredi High School and Frank Spragins High School.
The project forms part of YMM’s award winning Art Strategy, which aims to showcase local creativity while creating a stronger sense of place for passengers, visitors and the community.
The rocking chairs, painted by participating students, are now on display in Arrivals, Level 1 of YMM and will be available to be enjoyed by passengers airside in July, offering travellers a warm and welcoming reflection of the region’s artistic talent and community spirit. In addition to their artistic value, the chairs also provide an added comfort and accessibility feature within the terminal, including for nursing parents, families and passengers looking for a calming or comfortable seating option while travelling.
“Knowing something we created will be enjoyed by travellers every day is really exciting,” said Mikayla Bissonnette art student at Father Patrick Mercredi High School. Fellow classmate Stephannie Tagayun added, “It’s special to know our artwork will have a home at the airport and help make people feel comfortable and welcome when they travel through YMM.”
The initiative was developed in collaboration with local schools as part of YMM’s ongoing efforts to support youth, arts and culture throughout the region.
“This project gave students an opportunity to express themselves creatively while contributing something meaningful to the community,” said Dan Tulk, Principal of Frank Spragins High School. “We’re incredibly proud to see their work showcased in such a public and important community space.”
YMM’s broader Art Strategy focuses on elevating local voices and enhancing the passenger experience through public art, digital exhibits and community partnerships. The strategy supports opportunities for local artists while helping travellers connect with the history, culture and identity of the region.
“At YMM, we want travellers to feel a sense of connection to this region the moment they arrive,” says Denean Robinson, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “These rocking chairs beautifully combine local creativity, community pride and passenger comfort, while also supporting accessibility and inclusivity within our terminal. We’re incredibly grateful to the students and school workers who helped bring this project to life.”
-30-
About Fort McMurray International Airport | flyymm.com
Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) is a not-for-profit, non-share capital corporation owned and operated by the Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA). YMM connects the world to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. YMM offers direct flights to 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.
Fort McMurray Airport Authority Media Contact:
Jessica Lipton, Manager, Marketing & Communications