Signature Aviation recently played host to a unique charity event at its Van Nuys Airport FBO in California. The company partnered with nonprofit group Arts Bridging the Gap and local charter provider Dreamline Aviation on “When Art Takes Flight,” an event that brought a team of professional mural painters together with local children and their families to paint one of Dreamline’s retired Bombardier Learjet 60s.
During a pre-event planning session for what would eventually become the design of the mural, a student drew a bird in an open cage. As the power of that image was discussed, it seemed to the project organizers that as the children warmed to the idea, they were no longer afraid to leave their cage.
A peregrine falcon soaring through the universe was chosen by the artists “to demonstrate to represent this theme because they are known to nosedive at breakneck speeds once their target is acquired.” They added, “The students dove into their imaginations with the force of a peregrine falcon once they felt empowered to dream.”
The event has thus far raised more than $75,000 by way of donations from Dreamline clients, partners, sponsors, and the community. While several entities have expressed interest, the final location where the aircraft will be displayed is still under discussion.