Marana Airport unveils Wings Over Marana Public Art

Published on June 23, 2025

Trevor O’Tool with Marana High School Welding students

MARANA- The AVQ Marana Regional Airport officially revealed a new public art installation called “Wings Over Marana” on Friday, June 20, 2025.

The installation was created through a collaborative partnership between the Marana Unified School District (MUSD) and the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), as part of the Transportation Art By Youth (TABY) program.

The sculpture was installed at the entrance to the airport located at 11700 W Avra Valley Road, Marana, Arizona 85653. “Wings Over Marana” commemorates the pivotal role of the North American AT-6 Texan in Marana’s history and its enduring impact during World War II.

Prior to the unveiling, Marana Regional Airport-based restaurant, Skyrider Cafe, was awarded with the Discover Marana “Taste of Marana” STANDOUT Restaurant Award designation by Tourism & Marketing Manager Stefanie Boe. Barb and Bud Abrams accepted the award, and shared memories of barbeques out of plane hangars that inspired the creation of Skyrider Cafe. Learn more here about the award from Discover Marana.

The Town of Marana would like to thank its community partners who helped bring this project to life, including Marana High School welding students and instructors and lead artist Trevor O’Tool, as well as the Marana Public Art Review Committee for their recommendations.

ART PROJECT TEAM:

Artist: Trevor O’Tool
Marana High School Student Artists: Gabriel Avenenti, Brandon Gilbert, Brayden Riggs, Aleksandria Gabbard
MUSD Welding Instructors: Mario Favela, Brett Fischer

CEREMONY SPEAKERS:

Erik Montague, Deputy Town Manager – Emcee
Galen Beem, Airport Superintendent – Welcome
Stefanie Boe, Tourism and Marketing Manager – Taste of Marana Award
Dr. Dan Streeter, MUSD Superintendent – Project Partner
Jamie Brown, PAG Strategic Planning, Programming and Policy Director – Project Partner