Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Holds 18th Annual NAP Employee Art Exhibit

The Events and Art Collection Coordinator, Lindy T. Shepherd shared the following comments on their amazing Employee Art Exhibition which showcased 126 artworks this year...

"This was the second year that our exhibition was featured in three locations: Gallery MCO, the Community Gallery, and the Alcove outside of the Executive Offices. Even though the size limit on submissions was decreased this year to 36 x 36 inches (from 48 x 48 inches), the exhibition spaces were still filled to capacity, and we are looking for solutions for more exhibition space next year.

We had an increase in the number of new artists who signed up this year, as well as the return of artists who have exhibited in past exhibitions. From the newcomers to the program, there was the Ozpercin family who contributed art by mom, Andrea; dad, Levent; and son, Orlando. Levent is new to the GOAA team and to the U.S., and he was awarded an honorable mention in the Amateur category for his photograph of Dubai titled “Silencio.” Levent said he encouraged his family to participate as a means of engaging with their new community.

The return of the mother-daughter team of Jo and Katie Hollinger was moving. Though Jo is now retired, she still participates in the annual employee art show, as does her daughter Katie, who is now a teacher, but has participated in the art show since she was in elementary school. They said that all of the artworks submitted over the years are still on display in the family home. Katie was recognized as an honorable mention in the Amateur category for her colored pencil drawing titled “Finding Love at the Powwow.”

A highlight this year was the Artist Reception & Awards Presentation held on April 29, with 21 of the 31 recipients of the awards in attendance to receive their ribbon from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s new CEO Lance Lyttle. Though only in his new position for less than a month, Mr. Lyttle shared his passion for the arts and stories from his youth about his own artmaking, and he was gracious with his time in taking photos with the artists and making them all feel special."