Thursday, June 11, 2009

Sky Harbor Airport: Skywatch Friday


We're back! And even though this blog is supposed to be about Pewaukee, there were just a few things we saw on our trip to Arizona that I might have to post. The first is this airplane hanging beneath a prairie-style stained glass ceiling which is the focal point of Sky Harbor's terminal 3 in Phoenix.

The stained glass ceiling, designed and created by artist Ken Toney, was installed when terminal 3 opened in 1979. Because the original bulbs that illuminated this work of art lasted for only a few years, Sky Harbor officials could not justify the expense of building scaffolding every time the bulbs needed to be changed. Therefore, the ceiling remained dark for almost 20 years. In 2004, it was re-lit. Because lighting technology has improved so much in the past few years, the bulbs which now illuminate the stained glass will last for 10 years or more without needing to be changed.

See all SkyWatch entries here.

4 comments:

Lowell said...

This is truly beautiful...used to live in Phoenix, but left in 1964...so missed this.

Thanks for coming by Ocala DP. Yes, the woman was painting something on the Golden Egg...I'll be going by again soon and find out what it was...

Guy D said...

Great captures of the airplane display.

Have a great weekend
Guy
Regina In Pictures

2sweetnsaxy said...

Beautiful. I love that ceiling. Well, I just about love anything like stained glass. :-)

nonizamboni said...

Very clever and interesting, skyview post! What a beautiful window and thanks to you I've been able to see it.
Cheers from Minnesota--I think that makes us neighbors :O)