GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The next time you head to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, you may notice some colorful new additions! West Michigan artist Dania Grevengoed was picked to paint murals on the concrete beams in the median.
Grevengoed lives in Grand Rapids and specializes in botanical designs, particularly paintings and ink drawings. Her website describes her artwork as a "contemporary ode to the green growth of the natural world, influenced by the introspective narrative on feminine ideals within nature, and a fascination with the concept of the sublime."
“We are thrilled to welcome Dania and her artistic talent to the Airport,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “As part of our efforts to create a memorable journey for everyone, we hope these murals will be enjoyed by guests and will celebrate the creativity and nature in West Michigan.”
Grevengoed has created botanical murals in a variety of places across the U.S., from bathroom walls to massive outdoor features. For her project at the Ford Airport, she will be painting native Michigan plants in 12 separate murals. Visitors will see her artwork on their way in or out of the airport.
“The opportunity to portray the native plants of the home I love is the project of a lifetime,” said Grevengoed. “I am honored that my work greets everyone entering and leaving Gerald R. Ford International Airport. I hope these plants bring a little beauty and peace to each traveler's journey.”
Called "Growth (but they've been here the whole time)," the pieces will emphasize the importance of native plants in Michigan. The colors used in the artwork will also coincide with their ecosystems—blues for wetlands, tan for dunes, green for woodlands and white for plants found in multiple habitats.
“I paint overlooked and under-appreciated beneficial plants at a much larger size to help make them noticed—to have people appreciate the necessity of these plants,” said Grevengoed.
You can follow Grevengoed's progress on her Facebook page, called Interpersonal Design.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.