Long Beach Airport (LGB) is calling on local artists to take part in a “Plane to See” aviation-themed design contest, where 10 selected winners’ drawings will earn $500 honorariums and be used to create coloring sheets for travelers of all ages.  

“Art is a part of what makes Long Beach an incredible city and this contest will serve as an excellent way of showcasing who we are as a community,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I look forward to seeing travelers engage with and put their own marks on these designs by our local artists.” 

In collaboration with the Arts Council for Long Beach, LGB is looking to update, diversify and localize its coloring sheets with uplifting illustrations of the airport, its history, famous aviators, women in aviation, airplanes and air travel in the modern age. The drawings should reflect the diversity of the Long Beach community and make it “Plane to See” why LGB and its storied aviation history are so special. 

Selected drawings will be printed and distributed at community events and to LGB travelers with a designated exhibition space and coloring area, post-security, to be established in the North Concourse. The images also will be available to download online. 

“These coloring sheets are going to provide travelers of all ages with some additional relaxation and fun here at LGB, whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “And, we hope people learn something about aviation too, through this interactive medium.” 

Demonstrating the diversity of aviation careers through an interactive, fun medium such as art motivates youth of all ages to explore the magic of flight and the possibilities of pursuing a career in the field. 

“Every stroke made onto the coloring sheets is an exciting moment of creativity, from choosing colors to delicate shading,” said Arts Council for Long Beach Executive Director Griselda Suarez. “We are grateful for this collaboration that teaches all travelers about our history and demonstrates why Long Beach is a great destination.” 

The contest is open to local artists of all ages and skill levels, with submissions accepted online now through March 31, 2022. Winners will be announced by May 2022. 

For more information, follow the Long Beach Airport or Arts Council for Long Beach on social media or visit lgb.org. Individuals on the Arts Council’s Artist Registry are especially encouraged to apply.  

About the City of Long Beach   
Home to approximately 480,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly rated school district, Long Beach Airport and the Port of Long Beach. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, five golf courses, 171 parks, miles of beaches, marinas and bike paths.  

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit http://longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.  

About Long Beach Airport   
Founded in 1923, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the oldest airport in California. Among its many awards, LGB was named a Top 10 airport in the 2020 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Small Airport. LGB offers non-stop service to several U.S. cities while supporting a healthy general aviation community with more than 300,000 annual operations. The airport is also a source of substantial economic activity and employment, with the LGB Aviation Complex generating $8.6 billion in economic impact and supporting 46,000 jobs. LGB is a self-supporting enterprise of the City of Long Beach and does not receive local tax dollars. The Airport prides itself in preserving its esteemed historic legacy and maintaining a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible operation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LGBAirport.