PREVIEW: Albany International Airport to Unveil New Sculpture to celebrate 25 Years of Southwest Service
09/13 @ Albany International Airport
Albany International Airport and Southwest Airlines are proud to celebrate 25 years of Southwest service to the Capital Region with the unveiling of a new large-scale sculpture titled “Treasure Map” by Hudson Valley artist Ruby Palmer. The work was created through Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose initiative, which promotes sustainability through creative upcycling of aircraft seat leather acquired from aircraft renovations and retirements.
A public event celebrating both the anniversary and new artwork will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM next to the Southwest ticket counter, where “Treasure Map” is installed. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Palmer and enter prize drawings to win an original artwork by the artist, plus 25 roundtrip tickets to any Southwest destination.
“Treasure Map” features a vivid network of linear pathways reminiscent of a bejeweled landscape. Created entirely from aircraft seat leather donated by Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose program, the piece is the first sculpture completed through the initiative. Palmer is known for her inventive use of materials – including paper, wood, and canvas – and now adds repurposed leather to her toolkit, pushing the boundaries of color, form, and scale.
“Ruby’s material sensibilities were key to meeting this very specific challenge,” said Kathy Greenwood, Director of the Airport’s Exhibitions and Programs. “Her integrative approach to sculpture and painting, and openness to experimentation have resulted in this remarkable new work.”
“There were many exciting possibilities with this unusual opportunity,” said Palmer. I decided to utilize what I’ve learned from making cut paper pieces so that I would be in familiar territory with the overall design concept, since working with the material was new to me. I played around with samples of the ELeather and found that it was relatively easy to cut and paint. When doubled in thickness it had the right weight for a large, perforated wall sculpture. Overall, I wanted the effect to be buoyant, map-like and eye catching, something that uplifted the room with color and whimsy. In the process, I had the idea of titling it ‘Treasure Map,’ which links it to travel, flying, discovery, and adventure.”
While travelers have relied on Southwest’s destinations and service at ALB since 2000, “Treasure Map” adds a new dimension to their experience by highlighting both the airport and airline’s shared commitment to sustainability. Since the inception of the Repurpose with Purpose initiative in 2014, the program has donated more than $2 million in grants and 1.4 million pounds of leather, providing job training, employment opportunities, and social benefits around the globe.
“Ruby has created a singular design from upcycled materials that boldly reflects her vision of the landscape,” said Ana Schwager, Senior Corporate Responsibility Program Manager at Southwest Airlines. “As Southwest marks its 25 years of service to Albany International Airport, we are delighted to honor Ruby’s work as we mark this exciting milestone in the Capital Region.”
Since 2000, Southwest has increased its flights and destinations based on growing demand and enthusiasm from Capital Region travelers and today offers up to 14 departures a day to eight cities.
“For a quarter century, Southwest Airlines has been a trusted and valued partner of Albany International Airport,” said Sam Fresina, Chair of the Albany County Airport Authority Board. “This creative project is a fitting celebration of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to sustainability. We look forward to the next 25 years of working together to deliver the highest quality air travel to the Capital Region.”
Find more information on Albany International Airport’s Art & Culture Program here.
Find more information on the Southwest Airlines Repurpose with Purpose Program here.