Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport

The latest exhibit in the Airport's art program will showcase over a dozen hand painted panels from various American aircraft of World War II.  Also on display will be actual artifacts of the era, including the instrument display panel of a P51-mustang, as well as a handmade foot locker from a sailor in the Pacific. Each panel on display tells a story of the young airmen's love of country and rebellious American spirit. Many of the items are signed by the pilots and crew who flew them over Europe and the Pacific Islands. The most famous of these on display are the Flying Tigers Squadron and the Black Sheep Squadron, whose exploits later inspired a hit television show. New art work will be added throughout the terminal over the next few weeks.

The hand painting of "nose art" is an art form that was almost lost over the ages, and is a specialty of one local author/artist, Gary Velasco. Originally a Connecticut native, who now calls Central Virginia home, Gary's ability to recreate the vintage form of folk art makes him sought after by television shows and aviation celebrities alike. You can find his work in WWII movies and at the front gate of many military installations. His attention to detail and skill of recreating aircraft pieces to spec as well as his amazing skill of hand painting in the traditional style has etched his place in folk art history. The exhibit will be on display from Memorial Day until August 20th.

Find out more about Gary Velasco and his work at www.fightingcolors.com