“Green art” comes to life in celebration of Earth Day at TPA

Tampa International Airport’s interior landscaping team members are excited to show off their artistic abilities with this month’s premiere of the all-new “Living and Breathing Art Exhibit” on Level 3 of the Main Terminal.

 The display coincides with the Airport’s celebration of Earth Day later this month and is intended to highlight the benefits of incorporating living plants into indoor spaces.

 “We just want people to notice plants more,” said Kristina Zakarkaite of the TPA Interior Landscaping team. “Plants are usually the backdrop for everything else, but when they’re front and center, people take notice.”

 The Living and Breathing Art exhibit is a first for Tampa International Airport. Zakarkaite, who has a background working in botanical gardens, said she first pitched the idea, and was given the green light to begin creating the art installation for the month of April.

 “It’s incredibly rewarding," she said. "It’s art, except plants are the medium in which the art is made.”

 The exhibit can be found on Level 3 of the Main Terminal in the walkway between Airside A and C near the escalators to the SkyConnect station. The artwork will be on display throughout the month of April and includes several framed living art pieces along with a variety of other displays.

Kokedama— The Japanese art of growing plants within a thread wrapped moss ball.

Kusamono— Planting arrangements that give the impression of a place or season. The literal translation from Japanese is “grass” (Kusa-) and “thing” (-mono). Epiphytic orchids like these Phalaenopsis, or Moth Orchids, have adapted spongey roots that are used to hold water and support themselves on branches and trees.

Log Mounting— Bromeliads are hardy plants that can act as their own mini ecosystems. The leaves of these neoregalias form a cup to hold water for their own use, and are often a sanctuary for frogs and invertebrates.

“Living” Paintings— Epiphytes, like the Tillandsia that make up most of the plantings within these frames, are considered air plants. In the wild they are survivors. They cling to trees, rocks, and even buildings, collecting everything they need from the air, water, and debris around them.

For more information about Tampa International Airport’s Interior Landscaping team, click here.