Columbus artist's work displayed at Nashville airport, inspiring positivity

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A local artist's work is being displayed for an intercontinental audience after winning a spot in an exhibition at the Nashville International Airport.

Delaney Zweydorff of Columbus, who uses the moniker Laney Baby, was one of four artists chosen to display their work in the 11th annual Bonnaroo-themed skylight exhibition. In an email, Baby wrote that she heard about the project, a collaboration with the Nashville Airport and Bonnaroo Music Festival, on an "art call" site and decided to apply.

According to the airport website, the jury, comprised of members of the Bonnaroo team and Arts at the Airport Board of Directors, selected Baby's work after viewing her portfolio and the plan she submitted for the piece. The 26-year-old's creation which is titled "Radiate Positivity" consists of several large bubbles and a giant "bubble wand" suspended from the ceiling.

"I had never done a project this size before, but I was determined to figure it out," Baby said. "I chose bubbles because I have a four-year-old son who loves them, and they've inspired a lot of my past work. … I wanted this to be something that brings a smile to everyone who sees it."

The sculpture took her three weeks to complete in her garage. Baby said she used insulation foam boards covered in plaster and resin for the wand and inflatables for the bubbles to make them portable to Tennessee. The big move included a U-Haul and the help of some friends.

"It was an exhausting process and my first time using this medium, but I learned so much and would love to create more at this scale," Baby said. "I directed a team to install everything how I pictured it in my head, and it turned out better than I imagined."

The artwork gets its name from a saying in the "Bonnaroovian Code," according to the artist. It is also a sentiment she adheres to in life.

"You never know what someone is going through, and it's best to show kindness and grace to other people," Baby said.

The young creator also explained some of the deeper meaning behind her design.

"[The] bubbles' fleeting nature reminds us to be present and urges us to cherish them in the moment," Baby said. "Just as bubbles spread joy, a positive attitude can uplift those around us and spread far and wide. Both embody simple, delightful pleasures that are often overlooked in the chaos of modern life."

Baby said she is proud to represent Columbus and has received positive feedback from travelers who see the installation.

The piece will be displayed in Concourse C until March 2025.