Two Oregon Artists Selected for PDX Airport Murals

Highlighting local culture in the airport’s renovation

Left: Lettie Jane Rennekamp. Photo by Christopher Diego. Right: Mark Small. Photo courtesy of the artist. 

In collaboration with the Port of Portland, the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is excited to announce that Oregon artists Lettie Jane Rennekamp and Mark Small have each been chosen to create a mural design for the exit halls at the Portland International Airport (PDX), anticipated to be installed in spring 2026. The artists were selected through a competitive process by the PDX Terminal Core Redevelopment (TCORE) Public Art Committee that considered applications from an applicant pool of 78 artists and artist teams from across the region.

The renovation of the airport’s main terminal aims to increase the capacity, flexibility, and resilience of the airport, while improving the travel experience and adding more of what people love about PDX–including more art. These commissioned mural designs are among several exciting new public art projects RACC is managing within the new PDX.

The vibrant 59-foot-long murals will celebrate local mural culture and promote pride of place and a sense of home. Custom-printed and installed in the north and south exit halls of the main terminal, the artworks will remain on display for one to three years. The exit halls are the last post-security area passengers will walk through before they meet friends, family, or other meeters/greeters, leave the terminal, or travel downstairs to baggage claim to pick up their luggage. The murals will be the first cycle of two new rotating art exhibition locations post-security at PDX that will be refreshed with new murals every two to three years.

“We’re excited to collaborate with the Port of Portland on these new mural commissions by Lettie Jane Rennekamp and Mark Small,” says Kristin Law Calhoun, Director of Partnerships and Programs at the Regional Arts & Culture Council. “Located in the airport’s exit halls, these bold, site-responsive works will engage travelers as they arrive or depart, highlighting some of the distinct creative culture and landmarks of our region.”

“Talented local artists Lettie Jane Rennekamp and Mark Small are creating two massive inspiring murals for PDX, bringing their unique transformative designs to the airport's new North and South passenger exit lanes. These fantastic and colorful mural designs represent Portland's resilience and potential, celebrate our thriving community spirit, and welcome everyone,” says Wendy Given, Art Program Manager at the Port of Portland.