The official website of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Author: Anika Robertson

  • Holiday Recovery: Treat Yourself After the Holidays

    Holiday Recovery: Treat Yourself After the Holidays

    By: Shannon Evans

    I recently took a flight from Atlanta to Istanbul. It was really a 24-hour stopover that allowed me to check out this exotic wonderland before my connecting flight. With only a limited time to see the city, I decided it would be well spent at a Turkish hammam. That’s a hot steam bath for the uninitiated. Some relaxation was most needed, and the overall impetus for this trip after a hectic holiday season. I landed, dropped my bags at the hotel and trekked through Istanbul’s streets in search of my serenity.
    After an hourlong hammam (which left me wondering if I’d actually ever bathed before), it was time for my massage. As I lay in the still dark room, I was reminded (between quick snoozes) that I needed more moments like this in 2019. I committed to finding them wherever I am, rather than waiting until I’m halfway around the world.
    If we look, we realize that these peaceful interludes are all around us, even in Hartsfield-Jackson. Here are a few places that offer respite as you wait for your departure:

    1. Lather: As soon as you step inside, you’ll notice the calming hues and rich aromatherapy. Everything is so peaceful. As I browsed, I smelled the soaps and checked out the travel kits. Then I learned that they have a custom blending bar, where you pick the oils of your choice and pair it with and unscented body wash or moisturizer. Voila! Your signature scent.
    Location: T5

    2. XpresSpa: I’m a new convert to the legion of airport travelers with neck pillows. I always thought they looked bulky, but with a 10-hour flight ahead of me, I decided to give one from XpresSpa a try. In addition to comfy travel accessories, they also offer pampering services such as massages, pedicures and facials. And with XpresSpa’s new partnership with Calm, users of the app receive 10 percent off services.
    Location: C34

    3. The Beauty Bar: I was chatting with Abbey Glass, a rising Atlanta-based women’s wear designer, when she mentioned that her favorite airport ritual was getting there early to smell new perfumes and try on makeup because she normally doesn’t have the time in her busy schedule. I’d never really thought about that before. However, in perusing the store to find a travel-sized perfume for my excursion, I quickly saw the appeal.
    Location: Concourse B

    4. The Shoe Shine: I normally don’t get my shoes shined. When I’m in the airport, I’m usually in sneakers or some equivalent. However, I’m adding this indulgence for others who might be traveling for business or those who get their sneakers shined (Is that a thing? Don’t do this.) What I like about it most are the old-school shoe shine chairs. It immediately transports you into a different era. I’m almost tempted to wear a pair of dull leather shoes so that I can slip away into the comfortable chairs. There’s nothing more timeless than looking your best.
    Location: A20

  • We remember former Airport Commissioner Max Walker

    We remember former Airport Commissioner Max Walker

    Max Walker, center, looks at former Aviation Commissioner George Berry in this undated photo. Courtesy of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    By Doug Strachan
    Innovation and Strategic Business Development Manager

    Maxwell “Max” Walker, a giant in Atlanta’s aviation history and the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation’s sixth leader, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 8, after a brief illness. Max was 89 at the time.

    Max worked at ATL from 1967 until his retirement in May 1993, enjoying an extraordinary career of about 26 years. In 1982, he became a deputy commissioner of aviation. In those days, a commissioner, rather than an Airport general manager led the Department of Aviation.

    Among his many accomplishments was earning a reputation for completing ATL construction projects “on time and under budget.” In a 1993 interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Max recalled that in 1969, the DOA was able to rebuild a runway in just 40 days. “It usually takes a year or so, but we couldn’t stand for the runway to be out of service for that long,” he told the newspaper.

    ATL’s early intervention in efforts to mitigate community frustration with aircraft noise was another area in which Max succeeded. He told the AJC, “One of the big things we tried to do was plan for the airport and surrounding communities so we could co-exist.” He went on to say, “I think today the communications and the ability to talk among local governments and the airport is much, much better than it was before.”

    Known for his graciousness, Max was the epitome of fairness, until his frugal nature was stirred. Katie Stanciel, long-time head of ATL’s Parking operation, recounts the time she approached Max with trepidation one evening to broach the subject of hiring extra staff to help her manage the growing demands of her job.

    Stanciel recalls, “I had been taking folders full of spreadsheets home each night, and I was getting tired!” Cautiously entering Max’s office, she explained her position and then asked for the extra help.

    “Max slowly looked up from his desk, smiled at me, and then said, softly, ‘You can do it, Katie.’”

    She was ultimately left to get the work done efficiently by herself.

    A host of anecdotes point to the extent to which Max held the bottom line. One recounts the submission of a proposed $80 million budget plan. After reviewing the proposal, the story goes, Max looked up at those in the room and said, “I believe you can do it for $60 million.”

    The basis for the design of today’s ATL has its roots in concepts created or approved by Max Walker. In many ways, it’s clear that Max Walker’s planning, building and operational philosophies permeate the thinking of modern Planning and Development leadership; like Max, they too take pride in the engineering and execution of projects designed to ensure that ATL can fulfill its purpose and mission for years to come.

  • Jonathan Adams

    Jonathan Adams

    Jonathan Adams

    Jonathan started his career as a professional guitar musician performing for Pamplin Records, Intersound Records and his own label. He later co-founded the classical fusion group, “Montana Skies,” and toured with the group nationally for over a decade. He currently creates healing music and performance music for all.

    His 1998 debut CD release, “Guitarist,” was met with critical acclaim. To date, Jonathan has produced five full-length albums. These include releases for Intersound Records, Pamplin Records, Mel Bay Publications, as well as independent releases on Sonic Grapefruit Records. Jonathan’s original music has also been featured on PBS, NPR, and most recently in a score for a documentary on the life of Sen. Jay Rockefeller on West Virginia Public Television.

    Jon also frequently gives talks and workshops on sound therapy and wellness, which include appearances at TedX, National Spiritual Living Conference, GA State Social Workers Conference, Emory Wellness Center, Wigwam Wellness Festival and many more. In only a few years, his sound therapy tracks have received millions of plays online, and can be streamed on YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud and the Insight Timer app. They are also used by Gold’s Gym nationally for their Centergy yoga classes. He continues to explore ways in which sound as therapy can help people to relax, de-stress, enjoy deeper meditations and feel great overall.

    Jonathan discovered sound as therapy after his experiences and recovery from anxiety. As a touring musician, he knew the power of music to move our emotions, but soon understood its potential as a healing force. Since then, he has used his intuition, experiences and studies to explore the role of sound and music in the healing arts and create new ways for people to relax, enhance self-healing, self-awareness, focus and creativity.

    Play Video
  • Jenn Cornell

    Jenn Cornell

    Jenn Cornell

    Jenn Cornell is a performer, composer and an educator, bringing cello across boundaries with her visionary style of playing, creating songs that stretch what a cello can be, and inspiring young musicians with her mentor approach to teaching. Jenn has had a diverse career as a professional musician beginning at age 11, when she realized she desired to play cello for the rest of her life. Since then, she has crossed over from classical into the genre-bending music she creates today in performance, film scoring, and education of the arts.

    Jenn Cornell brings joy to every aspect of her music. She believes that performance is a visual art as well as auditory, where rhythm and movement become a dance of instrument and body. The artist is often joined on stage by her drummer, Emrah Kotan, who has a skill and fire matching Jenn’s high energy and virtuosity, which brings an exciting and progressive groove to the music.

    Cornell’s cello stylings have also well to other artists, including: double-platinum Billboard artist B.o.B.; Michael Malarkey of the hit TV series “Vampire Diaries,” and to filmmaker Chris Anthony Hamilton in the original music soundtrack “Body and Son.”

    The artist performs in many different venues, from performing arts centers, clubs, schools and universities, to one of her repeating engagements at the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson. There, she gets to keep her finger on the pulse of not only Atlanta, but also connecting her to the world and her music to it. In addition to performing, Jenn brings her music to hospitals and assisted living homes. She also mentors as head of the string department at the Community Music Centers of Atlanta.

    Jenn Cornell believes that music has the power to move energy and continues to use hers to make the world a better place. Find out what she is up to by visiting www.jenncello.com.

    Stream her on soundcloud.com/jenncello.

    Play Video
  • ATL staffer walks for a purpose, supports big cause

    ATL staffer walks for a purpose, supports big cause

    Airport engineer Mike Mahady plans to complete the 30-mile Georgia 2-Day Walk Sept. 29-30. His supervisor, Eric Hall, said Mahady’s spirit of caring is an inspiration to all.

     

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    Five years ago, Mike Mahady just wanted to lose weight, but in the process gained fervent passion for a cause that affects more than 266,000 women in the U.S. each year.

    The 71-year-old is determined to participate in his fifth Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, despite rebounding from a recent hip replacement.

    As lead engineer, Mahady works with Airport facility and project managers to troubleshoot plumbing and fire protection systems operational issues and support the ATLNext design and construction process.

    “It’s such a horrible disease,” the five-year Department of Aviation veteran said.

    “It’s a shame that all these women, mostly women, are plagued with [it].”

    In its 15th year, the Sept. 29 and 30 walk, which raises nearly a million dollars annually to support local breast cancer organizations, assembles more than 1,000 breast cancer survivors, supporters and patients.

    His quest to lose weight began after seeing a picture of himself holding his infant granddaughter. The image prompted Mahady to get serious about increasing his physical activity.

    “I could barely walk, let alone run marathons!” Mahady recalled.

    The Kennesaw resident began walking three to four miles each morning before work, using a pair of trekking poles for stability.

    One day, Mahady’s wife was tutoring a young man whose mom saw Mahady with the poles. The woman, Kim Shoemaker, encouraged him to walk 30 miles with her team for the 2-Day Walk.

    That’s a challenge, Mahady thought.

    “I didn’t think anything about the fundraising, or breast cancer, but took up the challenge,” Mahady said.  “I was excited.”

    But it wasn’t what Mahady expected.

    “I didn’t expect to be that emotionally involved,” he recalled.

    “When you get around all these women, it just grabs you and you can’t let it go,” Mahady said.

    Hearing the stories of survival firsthand from those currently in treatment and others who’ve been cancer-free for decades had a profound effect.

    Mahady finished the first walk in the top 20, feeling great. He began incorporating running into his routine and joined additional area races.

    “I started getting energetic,” Mahady said.  “Walking just wasn’t enough for me.”

    One of Mahady’s daughters encouraged him to run alongside her in two half-marathons. To date, he has also completed 10 5Ks, one 15K and one 9.9-mile trail run.

    Minor aches didn’t stop Mahady from joining the 2-Day Walk, nor did knee pain from a twist two years ago. He just bought a knee brace and kept moving.

    But in 2017, after a hiking trip through the Grand Canyon with his daughter, Mahady’s hip began hurting. He endured the pain on his fourth 2-Day Walk, clocking 16 miles. He later learned that his right hip and femur were literally grinding together. The damaged joint required a full hip replacement, which took place in May.

    As Mahady rebounds from the recent surgery, he walks with a cane and attends weekly physical therapy sessions. Even if he doesn’t finish the upcoming walk, he wants to take as many steps as possible to support the group.

    “It’s a sea of pink,” Mahady said. “It’s a fantastic experience.”

    Each year, he raises between $1,000 and $1,500 for the cause.  Ninety percent of money raised goes directly to breast cancer programs and survivors in Georgia.

    “He’s been our most enthusiastic, most passionate walker,” said team captain Shoemaker. She shares her own experience as a nine-year breast cancer survivor in hopes of encouraging others still in the fight.

    “If I can help one person, it’s worth it,” she said. “Cancer shouldn’t be your life.”

    Visit Mike Mahady’s donation page on itsthejourney.org to learn more.

  • ATL staffer’s determination inspires family, nation

    ATL staffer’s determination inspires family, nation

    Dawn Daniels Muhammad was surprised at the media attention surrounding her sacrifice to her father, Lucious Daniels.

     

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    A will to heal her ailing father led ATL’s Dawn Daniels Muhammad on a health journey to lose more than 55 pounds. Meanwhile, her altruistic efforts have garnered worldwide attention.

    Muhammad’s primary goal was to donate her kidney to her father, Lucious Daniels, who suffers from stage 4 kidney disease.

    “My dad is the heart and soul of our family,” said Muhammad, a 19-year veteran of the Department of Aviation. “The past 16 months have helped prepare me for this moment.”

    The South Carolina native knew poor diet and health habits persisted in her tight-knit family. Over the years, Muhammad watched as relatives developed Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

    “My sister and I said a long time ago, ‘We’ve got to break the cycle,’ the married mother of two said. But because of her weight struggles, she feared she could ultimately succumb to those conditions.

    According to Muhammad, her father developed Type 2 diabetes in 1980. In 2001, with a change in his diet and weight, Daniels was able to come off insulin. After years of good health, a back injury in 2015 prompted a steroid shot, “which shot his sugar level through the roof.”

    Once he became insulin-dependent again at age 71, doctors told Daniels that he’d developed the life-threatening condition.

    “It was a shock,” Muhammad recalled.

    While Muhammad learned her blood type was a match, she was prevented from being a donor due to her weight. At 220 pounds, she was told her BMI was just too high.

    In July 2016, Daniels began biweekly dialysis sessions critical to his survival. Later that year, Muhammad witnessed a serious decline in her dad’s energy level and wanted to do whatever was necessary to help.

    The senior programmer analyst began solo workouts.  Three weeks later, she reached out to a friend who had lost more than 150 pounds with diet and exercise and was now a personal trainer.

    On New Year’s Eve, Muhammad began working out with Tahara (@watchteework), followed a low-carb diet and avoided ginger ale, her choice beverage.

    Rigorous cardio, core workouts and monthly measurements kept Muhammad on track, but her true inspiration remained a secret.

    “I knew what my focus was … I’ve got to see if I can help my father,” Muhammad explained of her choice to become a living donor. After nearly a year, she’d lost 40 pounds.

    “I didn’t share it, I didn’t really want anyone to know. I wanted that journey to be between me and God.”

    In April 2018, during a conversation with her father, Muhammad recalled hearing a voice say, “It’s time.”

    That’s when she finally revealed her intention to donate her kidney. Initially shocked, her father would quickly embrace the decision.

    She learned on July 2 that she was a perfect match. A week later, Muhammad gathered her entire family to deliver the news in a heartfelt poem to her father. In response, they hugged, cried and celebrated.

    Muhammad’s sister posted a message on Facebook earlier this month that reached Deidre Dukes of Fox 5 Atlanta, who then interviewed the would-be-donor for a segment that aired Aug. 20. The story exploded online. On Aug. 30, the pair interviewed live on “Good Morning America,” and numerous media outlets shared the original Fox 5 feature, including People.com, NewYorkPost.com, ABC and London-based DailyMail.

    With tens of thousands of views from the initial feature, Muhammad said, “I never thought that it would get the attention that it’s received.”

    She looks forward to seeing her dad returning to his favorite pastime: playing golf. GMA host Michael Strahan even invited Daniels for a round once he’s recovered.

    “Continuing this lifestyle is so important,” Muhammad explained, “Because I know that moving forward, it’s going to be very important to eat healthy and exercise so I won’t have issues later on in life.”

    With transplant surgeries for father and daughter set for Aug. 31, Muhammad’s message behind her selfless act remains clear.

    “We can help our family and friends if we are in a better health situation.”

  • ATL expo elevates safety, celebrates culture

    ATL expo elevates safety, celebrates culture

    Fire inspector Edward Williams shows Meenaxi Rajput how to extinguish a fire at the third annual OneATL Safety and Risk Management Expo Aug. 15. © 2018 Decisive Moment Events

     

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    Hartsfield-Jackson advanced its safety culture for the third consecutive year at the OneATL Safety and Risk Management Expo.

    Assistant General Manager for Public Safety and Security Richard Duncan said the Aug. 15 expo highlights the significant role safety plays in every facet of Airport operations.

    “We would not be the world’s busiest, or the most efficient airport, if not for a laser focus on safety,” Duncan said to hundreds of participants gathered at the Georgia World Congress Center.

    “In fact, attention to the safety of customers and employees alike makes us one of the world’s safest airports as well.”

    While sessions highlighted best practices and new technology, interactive demonstrations offered workers greater perspective into the “safety first” culture. Topics covered included ergonomics, concessions safety, risk management, drones and workplace safety.

    To kick off the annual expo earlier that morning, Airport officials closed 8L-26R runway and the North Cargo ramp for the 17th annual FOD Walk. Found on runways, foreign object debris (FOD) can cause serious damage to aircraft. More than 100 Airport volunteers walked the 9,000-foot runway to experience and complement inspections conducted by ATL Airside Operations.

    In addition to live demonstrations on suspicious package response and enclosed space rescues, the expo featured the Airport’s Mobile Command Vehicle and other emergency vehicles for staff to explore.

    To underscore safety, the program celebrated Airport employees whose front-line actions potentially save lives and reduce hazards. Top safety achievements included Customs and Border Protection officers who saved a choking victim. Delta Air Lines employee Rob Santee was hailed for year-over-year gains as “the face of Delta safety.”

    Duncan lauded award winners, adding that the daylong event offers an important reminder for all of us to stay on our toes.

    “We know the risk of hazards exists throughout an airport, particularly at the world’s busiest airport,” Duncan said.

    “It takes the efforts of the entire Airport community to maintain public safety.”

    The full list of Excellence in Safety Award winners are as follows:

    Category Winner
    Risk Management Award Department of Aviation
    General Contractor Safety Award Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
    Subcontractor Safety Award Brooks Berry Haynie & Associates
    Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Safety Award Technique Concrete Construction
    Female Business Enterprise (FBE) Safety Award Synergy Development Partners, LLC
    Fire and Life Safety Award Officers M.G. White, Aton Williams and Moses Watkins – Customs and Border Protection
    Foreign Object Debris Award Melissa Pettiford – TBI
    General Safety Airside Award Heinz Hansen – DOA Airside Operations
    General Safety Landside Award Jeffrey Alston – DOA Landside Operations
    Safety Leadership Award Rob Santee – Delta Air Lines

     

  • Feeling Peachy? Enjoy National Peach Month at ATL

    Feeling Peachy? Enjoy National Peach Month at ATL

    By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

    It’s National Peach Month, and if you’re flying out of ATL, how fitting for you to celebrate right here in the Peach State! Peaches are one of my favorite fruits, and if you didn’t already know, Georgia peaches are the cream of the crop. That’s why I am excited to bring this list to you, especially since peaches have had a hard time with our dicey weather of late.

    But, I digress. Today, we have a little taste of everything for you to choose from, both sweet and savory. Feel free to explore Hartsfield-Jackson and see what other peach treats you can find. This list is just a sample.

    Paschal’s Peach Cobbler

    When I landed in Atlanta, I quickly fell in love with a few Southern food staples: shrimp and grits, chicken wings (Atlanta has a wing spot on every corner) and cobbler. Peach cobbler is by far my favorite and Paschal’s peach cobbler is known as some of the best. Buttery, flaky crust on top of sweetly baked peaches with the warm taste of cinnamon. Promise me you will make your way over to Concourse B centerpoint to try one of your own. Feel free to share your favorites with me!

    Let’s head over to the savory side of things.

    Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint’s Peach Glazed Alaskan Salmon

    If you’re not quite ready for dessert but still in the peachy spirit, then Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is just the trick. Located near gate C42, this entree features a perfectly grilled fillet of Alaskan salmon topped with a sweet peach glaze and caramelized peaches and your choice of one side. I opted for collard greens with smoked turkey. So good! After this meal, I have a feeling you probably won’t need that tiny bag of peanuts or pretzels mid-flight.

    Jamba Juice’s Peach Perfection Smoothie

    I decided to round out this list with something for the passenger on the go.

    As much as I would love for you to arrive early enough to explore the different concourses in ATL and perhaps enjoy a sit-down meal, I understand that sometimes that’s just not in the cards. So for those of you who need to walk and eat, or in this case drink, I suggest Jamba Juice’s Peach Pleasure Smoothie, located near gate T3. Mixed with a blend of real peaches and bananas, it is sweet and refreshing. And as always, made with no preservatives, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup.  Plus, it’s gluten-free.

    Cheers and Happy National Peach Month!

  • Largest Shop around the Concourse: ATL Shops by Hudson

    Largest Shop around the Concourse: ATL Shops by Hudson

    By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

    Welcome to Destination Skypointe: ATL Beyond the Gate

    When you head to the airport, you may have one plan in mind, and that is to board your flight and get to your destination.
    A solid plan.
    Most airports only lend themselves to that simple plan due to a lack of amenities. What I can assure you is that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is not one of those airports.
    Packed with hundreds of different food and retail options, awe-inspiring art installations, and not one, but two spas. ATL is a destination within itself. Think of it as a mall, just with planes. Doesn’t that sound cool?
    As with any mall, especially one this huge, you need a guide. And although ATL does have standard directories to show you where to find things in relation to where you are standing, I want you to think of this blog as a more in-depth and interactive directory … one with photos and videos and a real person (me!) to guide you along the way and get you excited about your visit to what I consider one of the best cities in the U.S. and the busiest, most efficient airport in the world.
    Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I am excited to guide you through your destination before you reach the end of your journey.
    Now, let’s talk!

     

    To start things off, let’s take a visit to the newly redesigned ATL Shops by Hudson. Opened in June of this year, this brand-new mega-shop has everything you need to prepare to fly and a few things you didn’t know you needed.
    Located on Concourse F, inside you will find a mini-mart stocked with chips, cold sandwiches, beverages and snacks. There’s also a bookstore, with all of the latest bestsellers, an interesting assortment of unique gifts, or to commemorate your trip, jewelry, vinyl records (you read that right) and a candy shop stocked with an array of new and nostalgic treats that would make Willy Wonka blush. Does this even sound like a place that would be found in an airport? It’s like five amazing stores all rolled into one. I’m sure you’ll love it.
    If you plan to stop at ATL Shops by Hudson, I recommend you give yourself some extra time to really look around. It’s definitely worth your time.
    Some interesting finds as I perused the store:

     

  • Airport art leads to unlikely connection

    Airport art leads to unlikely connection

     

    By Jennifer Ogunsola

    Communications Manager

    It’s not unusual to walk through a large airport and spot friends, family members and others you may know. Many people travel domestically and internationally on airplanes, so spotting a familiar face is pretty typical. But, imagine walking through the busiest airport in the world and seeing yourself, or one of your close family members, on display.

    While that isn’t a normal occurrence, the passenger experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is anything but normal.

    Just ask the Perry family.

    Andre Perry, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, his wife Joia, and their seven-year-old son, Robeson, discovered just how unique Hartsfield-Jackson is after traveling to Atlanta for New Year’s Eve this past year.

    “I travel to Hartsfield-Jackson at least 20 times a year, probably more,” the Washington D.C. resident explained. “My wife also travels extensively. She has made dozens of stops in Atlanta, and my son has been there several times.”

    When walking through Atlanta’s airport, you may be in awe of many things, including its size, the world-class restaurants, upscale stores, and award-winning art exhibits throughout the Domestic atrium and seven concourses.

    “Each time that we’re in Hartsfield-Jackson, we notice the art … and in particular, we love looking at some of the historical photos of civil rights leaders,” Perry said. “Atlanta has such a rich tradition, particularly for African-Americans, and so the art in Atlanta’s airport often reflects history, but [there are] also a lot of stand-alone pieces that any connoisseur would appreciate.”

    David Vogt, ATL’s Art Program manager and artist, developed the Airport’s art concept in 1996 right before the Olympics. “Our installations are incredibly unique, and it’s fantastic to see how successful the different exhibits are in terms of delighting passengers,” Vogt said.

    “It’s great to see people with their cellphones taking videos and selfies of our art installations.”

    For the Perrys, “selfies” gained a new meaning during their New Year’s Eve trip through ATL.

    As the trio headed to their departing gate, the father noticed – in the corner of his eye – his son’s image in a display case on Concourse T.

    “It startled me because seeing an image of your child in an airport is crazy. I honestly didn’t know how it got there,” Perry said.

    Perry’s reaction got the attention of his wife and son, and they all looked at the picture in amazement.

    The portrait was of Perry’s son getting a haircut on his first birthday. Perry said the image made him nostalgic as he remembered that rite-of-passage moment, which he captured in a photo.

    “That was a classic father-son moment,” Perry said. “Whenever you see rituals and traditions that African-American boys and men participate in, you have to appreciate them. To have it on display at the airport in Atlanta, where hundreds of thousands of people travel every day warms my heart,” he added.

    Vogt recalled instances where other passengers made connections to specific art exhibits, but admits that this connection is rather peculiar.

    The artist, David Roby, shares an astonishing similarity as the young boy in the portrait: their name.

    Robeson Perry’s nickname is Roby.

    “The whole thing is just unexplainable,” Vogt said.

    “For it to be on display when the family just happened to be moving through the Airport was completely shocking.”

    The display was part of the Airport’s fourth annual Employee Art Exhibit, led by the National Arts Program. The program welcomes ATL employee and members of their immediate families to participate in a professional visual arts exhibition and offers cash prizes for top works.

    David Roby, who unknowingly named his work, “First Kut,” is an immediate family member of one of ATL’s concessions employees. He participated in the competition for two years, and for this piece, Roby was recognized as an honorable mention but placed first the year prior.

    “I was looking for a project to do,” explained the artist, who Googled photos for inspiration. I like [painting] children, and it caught my eye.”

    The former barber recognized a little fear in the photographed boy’s face, so titled his oil-on-canvas piece after a first-time barber visit.

    The Atlanta artist learned to draw in the ‘70s, exploring different mediums and techniques.

    “It was something to give me peace,” Roby said. “It was a pleasure.”

    As for what the family did after they snapped a picture of their son in front of his portrait?

    “I went through my phone to find the actual image,” Perry explained.

    “After I found it, I asked my social media community if anyone knew the artist.”

    “We should always have art on display in public places where there’s a lot of congestion, traffic and movement because we need to take the time to appreciate the beautiful things in life,” Perry added. “Yes, we might be in a rush to get to our plane, but stop for a moment, pause, reflect, look at the art, look at what people are going through, and feel the energy of the artist,” he said.

    When reflecting on the importance of ATL’s art program, Vogt said, “Airports are about making connections, connecting people to different destinations, bringing families together. The art program does that in so many different ways. It connects people to memories of nature, feelings, and it also roots their travel experience with something memorable here at the Airport.”

    As for Perry and his family, their fondness for ATL and its art will never diminish. He received “First Kut” as a gift from his wife on Father’s Day. His son Robeson also loves the discovered portrait.

    “My son could see that it was him,” Perry shared of their first viewing. “Afterward, he said, ‘I’m famous.’”

    David Roby’s art, including “First [Hair] Kut,” can be found on fineartamerica.com.