Onorato Defends Airport Art

A 78-foot steel sculpture might remain part of the passenger terminal at the Pittsburgh International Airport, thanks to the efforts of County Executive Dan Onorato. The piece, "Silver Grid Wall" by Peter Calaboyias, was in the process of being replaced by advertising when Onorato ordered the airport authority to stop. The County Executive says although he is supportive of advertising in general, he believes a compromise can be reached between the artist and the airport that would leave the piece intact and on display somewhere in the airport. Onorato says both he and Calaboyias believe there is space enough for the sculpture and the advertising, but the airport authority disagrees. The advertising would produce about $112,000 per year, according to the airport authority.