DAY 1 “Bayou Ballad” Takes Flight at IAH Airport

Houston sunrise

The installation of “Bayou Ballad” at IAH Airport is officially underway!

“Bayou Ballad” is a hand-glazed, hand-cut mosaic installation on two walls and four square columns created by artist Dixie Friend Gay, commissioned by United Airlines and Intercontinental Airport, located in Baggage Claim of the new Terminal B, and fabricated and installed with Mosaika Art and Design.

Emily and Arthur unloading the mosaic.

From the first day on site, the energy has been incredible. The crew arrived bright and early, attended their safety orientation, unpacked crates, prepped the walls, and started putting tile on the wall.

We are impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm surrounding this project. Clark Construction is running an exceptional job site, and everyone we meet has been incredibly helpful, welcoming, and excited to be part of the process. It is inspiring to work in an environment where every team plays a role in making the project a success.

First tile on the NW wall!

The United Airline employees have been enthusiastic to watch the artwork come to life. The encouragement from the many trades working alongside us has also been amazing. Crews are cheering us on, sharing their excitement, and creating a real sense of community on site. Everybody wants to be an artist now!

Jacob and Emily adhering tile to the first column face.

Success! Fifteen more column faces to go.

Behind the scenes, Jordan is maintaining studio operations, making supply runs, and delivering everything needed to keep the installation running smoothly between the studio and the airport.

Emily hard at work, dripped out in the DFG uniform: HOT PINK.

A huge thank you to Mosaika for bringing such skill, efficiency, and enthusiasm to the installation. Their team is quick, organized, and dedicated.

We love being part of a job site that is professional and positive. “Bayou Ballad” is a celebration of teamwork, craftsmanship, and the many talented people bringing this vision to life.

DAY 1 PROGRESS. The grid lines are drawn on top of a clear adhesive that is adhered to the hand-cut, hand-glazed ceramic mosaic tiles. This allows for easy install and ensures we are installing everything level. Tomorrow it will get peeled off.

Selfie with Dixie Friend Gay and the boys! Jacob, Arthur and Mike

Bye from the crew! Left to right: Emily, Mike, Jacob, Arthur, Rachel

More to come from IAH, see you tomorrow!

- DFG Studio