Link to image of artwork
Link to dedication group image
Link to artwork video (credit Kyle Van Osdol)
OKC Will Rogers International Airport is home to a prominent new work of interactive public art titled “Connections: Oklahoma City’s Global Family,” thanks to a donation from Oklahoma City’s Sister Cities chapter.
The 3-dimensional multimedia artwork, unveiled on Oct. 30, was created by local artist duo Scott Henderson and Kyle Van Osdol and was designed to celebrate Oklahoma City’s Sister Cities: Haikou, China; Kigali City, Rwanda; Puebla, Mexico; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Tainan, Taiwan; Taipei, Taiwan; and Piura, Peru.
“Oklahoma City is truly a global city, and this work of art reflects our rising international profile,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said. “It reminds us we are linked like never before to the entire world. I am grateful to Sister Cities and everyone who made this possible.”
The idea for the artwork was inspired by a trip Mayor Holt took to Santa Barbara in 2022. While in the airport, he admired an art installation commemorating their sister cities. Holt and Sister Cities champion Mary Blankenship Pointer saw the potential for a piece in Oklahoma City that would similarly celebrate our city’s diverse global relationships.
Oklahoma City’s Sister Cities chapter is one of the most active in the United States.
"This installation represents the strength of our global connections and the spirit of friendship that binds Oklahoma City to our Sister Cities around the world,” President of Sister Cities International OKC Paul Dudman said. “We are thrilled to share this symbol of international unity with the people of OKC and visitors from around the world."
“Connections: Oklahoma City’s Global Family” is the second major public art piece installed by Sister Cities in the last five years. The other piece is featured at the Santa Fe train station and identifies the distance to all of Oklahoma City’s Sister Cities.
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About Sister Cities International OKC:
Sister Cities International OKC is dedicated to promoting peace, mutual respect, and understanding through partnerships between Oklahoma City and its Sister Cities around the globe. By fostering cultural, educational, and economic exchanges, the organization strengthens ties and builds bridges between communities worldwide. Oklahoma City’s Sister Cities: Haikou, China; Kigali City, Rwanda; Puebla, Mexico; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Tainan, Taiwan; Taipei, Taiwan; and Piura, Peru. For more information about OKC's Sister Cities program, contact Sister Cities International OKC at marybpointer@gmail.com or by visiting sistercitiesokc.org.
Media Contact
Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550
kristy.yager@okc.gov
