RELEASE – Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Selects Artist for New Loop Road Public Art Installation 

“Reno-Tahoe Textures” to Debut Fall 2026 

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 3, 2025) – The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has selected nationally recognized artist Sean Orlando to create the next major installation in its growing Arts at the Airport program. Orlando’s work titled “Reno-Tahoe Textures” will transform the Loop Road experience with five illuminated sculptural panels inspired by the region’s most iconic landscapes. 

Chosen from more than 60 applicants in a competitive RFQ process, Sean Orlando will design and build a series of large-scale, map-like artworks reflecting Truckee Meadows roadways, Mt. Rose, Lake Tahoe, Black Rock City and the runways of Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). Installed under the Loop Road canopies, the panels will feature programmed lighting patterns that create a sense of motion for travelers walking below. 

“Public art has the power to connect people to the places they move through every day,” said Sean Orlando, artist and founder of Engineered Artworks. “I’m honored to bring this vision to life in a way that celebrates the landscapes, culture and community identity of Reno-Tahoe. My goal is to create an experience that feels both familiar and surprising, something that rewards curiosity and sparks a sense of wonder.” 

Sean Orlando is known for his large-scale, site-specific public sculptures, merging engineering, storytelling and placemaking. His work has been featured at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, Burning Man and the de Young Museum, and he has completed art commissions for the Exploratorium and cities across the country. Engineered Artworks has also produced major public pieces for parks, rail stations, fire houses and civic spaces nationwide. 

The Loop Road installation is scheduled for completion and public unveiling in fall 2026. 

Through the MoreRNO program, the RTAA is creating a modern, meaningful sense of place across both airports through high-quality public art that reflects northern Nevada’s natural beauty, culture and rich aviation history. This installation represents the next evolution of the Arts at the Airport program and the airport’s commitment in dedicating a minimum of one percent of design and construction costs for capital improvement projects from RTAA funds to public art at RNO and Reno-Stead Airport.  

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About Engineered Artworks 
Engineered Artworks is a Bay Area design and fabrication studio specializing in large-scale sculpture, public art, and kinetic installations. Led by artist Sean Orlando, the studio blends expert metalwork, technical design, and collaborative, artist-driven processes to bring ambitious creative visions to life. 

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) Board of Trustees have pledged a minimum one percent of design and construction costs for capital improvement projects in public spaces from RTAA funds for art at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). RNO strives to engage passengers, enrich the travel experience and reflect the vibrant culture of the region through all forms of art. For more details, visit https://www.renoairport.com/arts/.