With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here .
Photos: Historic 1941 Mosaics Uncovered at Long Beach Airport
Something is afoot at the Long Beach Airport , and in this case, they're asking passengers to please look down. A recent renovation at the facility has led to the uncovering of historic mosaic tiling put in back in 1941 by Works Progress Administration (WPA) artist, Grace Clements.
The tile project was part of an overall expansion of the airfield in Long Beach which included putting in the terminal, which was designed by architects W. Horace Austin and Kenneth S. Wing. Sr. It's unclear when the mosaics were first covered over.
The City of Long Beach elaborates on the artwork that was created to represent the city's "origins in aviation, oil and communications":
The mosaics served as the finishing touches on the Airport's art deco style terminal building. Located throughout the first floor, they are in great condition, and include a large global map, birds, a ship, an oil well and a hand dialing a telephone.
Sponsored message
A unique aspect of this particular WPA art project was that the style is a departure from the typical "realistic" renderings of the era; Clements instead opted to create mosaic mural art (on the floor!) that were more imaginative.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
