Museum friezes

San Angelo, Texas-based artist Dwight Holmes was contracted to provide several aviation-themed bas-reliefs that enhance the exterior of the terminal building.

Over each main entrance is a bewinged representation of the Roman god Mercury, bearing the dove of Peace and Torch of Knowledge, and sporting a leather aviator's helmet.

Circling the building is a repeating motif celebrating the past, present and future of aviation, as of 1940: an early biplane similar to a Wright Flyer, a DC-3 style twin-engine airliner, and a fanciful autogyro-like machine with a large overhead rotor. Lastly, a stylized aircraft tire-with-wings decorates the north and south exits of the building.

All photos below were provided by museum volunteer photographer Kevin McGowan