DIA flying high as Best U.S. Airport for Art: Did blue Mustang kill the competition?

Was it "Mustang" that killed the competition -- just as the sculpture killed its creator, Luis Jimenez? Maybe it was Terry Allen's bronze gargoyles by baggage claim that had victory in the bag. Or perhaps it was part of some New World order conspiracy, as presaged in the murals by...

By Patricia Calhoun

November 13, 2013

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Was it "Mustang" that killed the competition -- just as the sculpture killed its creator, Luis Jimenez? Maybe it was Terry Allen's bronze gargoyles by baggage claim that had victory in the bag. Or perhaps it was part of some New World order conspiracy, as presaged in the murals by Leo Tanguma. Whatever, it's clear that Denver isn't horsing around with its art collection: Denver International Airport was just named "Best U.S. Airport for Art" by the readers of USA Today, who picked it from twenty airports nominated by the publication.

"Denver International Airport is known around the world for its exceptional public art, and we are proud that our customers have selected us as their favorite U.S. airport for art," said Kim Day, Denver's manager of aviation, in acknowledging the honor. "We strive to create spaces within the airport that are light-filled, airy and complete with artwork that enriches the travel experience and sparks conversation."

And those sentiments could explain the piece of art that USA Today choose to illustrate Denver's victory. With more than thirty pieces in the collection to choose from, USA Today went not with "Mustang," which is the most loved -- and also the most loathed -- piece of public art at DIA, but "America, Why I Love Her," the homage to roadside attractions across America created by artist/baggage handler Gary Sweeney.

DIA is flying high this week: It was also just rated number one for healthiest airport food in the country by the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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