Blue Grass Airport Unveils “Paint the Plow” Artwork by Fayette County Public Schools’ Students

Blue Grass Airport Unveils "Paint the Plow" Artwork by Fayette County Public Schools' Students

December 10, 2025-Today, Blue Grass Airport and Fayette County Public Schools unveiled a snowplow painted by Lexington Middle School students, the result of a unique partnership that combined art, education and aviation. The unveiling was paired with a student visit to the airport, where middle schoolers had the chance to learn about winter snow operations and participate in a tour and hands-on experience connected to the project.

The students painted an eight-foot plow blade, normally used on airport roadways, which provided an accessible, manageable canvas for their artwork. During their visit, students also learned how this smaller plow differs from the airport's much larger winter equipment, including runway plows that exceed 24 feet in length.

This unveiling comes as Blue Grass Airport's team begins snow operations for the winter season. Snow removal preparations typically begin as early as May when crews are being trained, and trucks are being tuned. With more than 232 acres to keep clear during each snowfall, the airport's maintenance and operations teams-along with this equipment-play an essential role in ensuring safe, efficient travel during winter weather. Partnerships like this give students the opportunity to understand how these weather events impact travel.

"We are always looking for ways to engage young people in aviation, and this project offered a unique way to bridge art with real-world airport operations," said Eric Frankl, president and CEO of Blue Grass Airport. "As part of this unveiling, the students will have an opportunity to explore our large snow equipment in the airport's Snow Removal Equipment Complex to see firsthand how these machines keep our airfield safe."

Students were tasked with designing and painting one of the airport's snowplow blades, transforming this piece of winter equipment into a work of art that represented their unique vision and tied to the aviation community. Titled Hands That Dream, the artwork represents significant time and effort by students at Fayette County Public Schools' Lexington Middle School. Led by their instructor, Leonardo Jarmillo Jones, 34 eighth-grade visual art students designed and painted the piece in coordination with the airport.

The artwork features "floating hands" to symbolize how their school community works together and celebrates its diversity. Using images of paper airplanes to express their future goals, they designed a representation of how their dreams connect back to their community. The plow will be displayed throughout the winter in the airport's upper atrium, just past the TSA security checkpoint, giving the students a unique opportunity to have their work viewed by thousands of travelers from across the region and beyond.

"Opportunities like this are truly invaluable to our scholars' experience. To see their creative spirit proudly showcased in one of the most visible centers of our city is an incredibly special moment," says Bryne Jacobs, principal of Lexington Middle School. "As our students brainstormed ideas for this artistic piece, they were deeply inspired by themes of diversity and unity, a vision evident in the finished project. I am immensely proud of our VAPA Blackcat scholars for their commitment, collaboration and exceptional work."

About Blue Grass Airport

Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Blue Grass Airport celebrates 79 years of commercial air service as Kentuckians "Get Going" with non-stop and connecting flights to hundreds of destinations worldwide. Serving more than 1.5 million passengers annually, the airport focuses daily on fulfilling its vision of providing a welcoming approach connecting Kentucky and the world. The airport supports the region with approximately 4,745 jobs and a total economic output exceeding $709 million.

Media Contact

Lauren Simmerman
Community Relations Manager
Blue Grass Airport
[email protected]
859.425.3243
www.bluegrassairport.com