Memphis International Airport Announces Visual Arts Winners

Artwork and photography by high school students displayed at Memphis International Airport

News Summary

The Memphis International Airport has revealed the winners of its annual High School Visual Arts & Photography Competition. The event showcased 49 finalists in art and 46 in photography, highlighting the creativity of local high school students. The winning pieces will be displayed at the airport starting in June 2025, with most artworks available for purchase to support the young artists. This competition reinforces the cultural significance of Memphis and aims to nurture emerging talent within the community.

MEMPHIS – The Memphis International Airport (MEM) has announced the winners of its 18th annual High School Visual Arts & Photography Competition, which invited talented students from across the Mid-South to express their unique perspectives on the city. The competition featured 49 finalists in the art category and 46 in photography, showcasing the vibrant creativity of local high schools.

In the art competition, first place was awarded (tie) to Rosie Deng of Collierville High School for her piece titled “Rock N Soul: The Complete Memphis Music Story!” and Liliana Khodor of Ridgeway High School for “Blues and Bridges: The Sound of Memphis.” Second place went to Anthony Smith from Kirby High School for his work titled “Memphis Blues,” while Kamsi Azogini from Collierville High School took third place with “Beale Blues.”

In photography, Reyma Odetallah from Bartlett High School captured first place with “Timeless Memphis: A City of Black & White.” Meiya Rollins from Arlington High School was awarded second place for “Building Hope,” and third place was claimed by Will Hargrave of Christian Brothers High School for his photograph “Stax Records.”

Terry Blue, President and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, emphasized the importance of the competition in showcasing and nurturing student talent. He revealed that nearly five million passengers traverse MEM annually, providing a significant platform for the young artists to display their creations.

The winning artworks from this year’s competition are set to be on display at the airport starting in June 2025. Paintings will be exhibited in the baggage claim area, while photographs will be showcased in the Terminal B ticketing lobby. The exhibition is scheduled to remain for one year, allowing for ongoing visibility of local student creativity within a bustling public space.

Notably, most of the artworks will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going directly to the student artists, providing both recognition and financial support for their efforts. Participants were also supplied with art materials through the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Community Foundation, further fostering artistic growth among high school students.

This annual competition not only aims to support emerging talent within the community but also highlights the cultural significance of Memphis as a city rich in musical heritage and artistic expression. By integrating art into a major transportation hub, the airport seeks to celebrate local creativity while engaging travelers and residents alike.

For those interested in viewing all the finalists’ artwork, additional resources have been made available online, allowing a broader audience to appreciate the talent emerging from the Mid-South.