Aviation-themed mural debuts at CVG with support from GE Aerospace

Colorful new artwork now greets travelers at the Welcome Point level of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A new mural titled "The Making Connections" has been unveiled at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Designed by Northern Kentucky artist Maria Nacu and created by 16 ArtWorks youth apprentices, the mural features colorful scenes inspired by aviation, teamwork, and the interplay of people and ideas. The mural was commissioned by GE Aerospace and CVG to honor the workforce whose dedication keeps millions of passengers safely in the air every day.

Why it matters

The mural underscores the significant economic impact of air travel in the region and the many people who make it possible. CVG ranks as North America's seventh largest cargo hub, and the region has become a magnet for aerospace suppliers, manufacturing three times more aerospace products and parts than the national average.

The details

Spanning both sides of a hallway near the Welcome Point escalators, the mural surrounds travelers with illustrations of luggage in motion, ground crews at work, soaring aircraft, and whimsical touches including winged suitcases and flying pigs. The theme reflects CVG's mission to connect the region to the world, and the mural was unveiled at a celebration attended by more than 50 people, including many of the ArtWorks youth apprentices who worked on the project.

  • The mural was unveiled on March 6, 2026.

The players

Maria Nacu

A Northern Kentucky artist who designed the "The Making Connections" mural.

ArtWorks

A team of 16 youth apprentices and the ArtWorks team who brought the mural to life.

GE Aerospace

The company that commissioned the mural and supports the workforce whose dedication keeps millions of passengers safely in the air every day.

CVG

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport that commissioned the mural and is an economic driver for the region.

Mike Kaufman

The Head of Technology Operations, Industrial Transformation at GE Aerospace.

Larry Krauter

The CEO of CVG Airport.

Colleen Houston

The CEO and Artistic Director of ArtWorks.

August Kendall

One of the ArtWorks youth apprentices who worked on the mural.

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What they’re saying

“When you fly, there's a strong chance you're riding on a GE Aerospace engine, and we take that responsibility with great seriousness. This artwork honors the workforce whose dedication keeps millions of passengers safely in the air every day.”

— Mike Kaufman, Head of Technology Operations, Industrial Transformation at GE Aerospace

“CVG's mission is to connect this region to the world, and this mural captures that purpose in a way that is both creative and authentic. It beautifully reflects the people and roles that make air travel possible every single day.”

— Larry Krauter, CEO of CVG Airport

“Seeing it installed for the first time was exciting because we had only ever viewed it in sections, and now it feels real and huge.”

— August Kendall, ArtWorks youth apprentice

“ArtWorks thrives because of the generosity and vision of our partners and supporters. This project is a testament to how the arts enrich our region and strengthen its civic pride.”

— Colleen Houston, CEO and Artistic Director of ArtWorks

What’s next

The mural will remain on display at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport for the foreseeable future, continuing to greet and inspire travelers.

The takeaway

This collaborative mural project showcases the power of public art to celebrate the people and industries that drive economic growth in a region, while also fostering community pride and engagement through the creative talents of local artists and youth.