United Airlines B East Club at Denver International Airport
Denver,
- Hospitality
- Public Art
- Mountain West
- Art Curation
- United Airlines
The collection features primarily underrepresented artists and all but one are local to Colorado.
Two hand-painted murals reflect the natural beauty and diverse culture of the city, with hidden discoveries for guests to uncover.
At an estimated 1000-lbs, Will Schlough’s suspended pinecone sculpture features 196 skateboard decks and celebrates the year-round adventure that can be found near Denver.
The Story
Project photography courtesy of United Airlines
With 35,000 square feet of space across three levels and more than 600 seats, United Airlines’ new B East Club at the Denver International Airport is the largest club in the United Airlines network. And such a premier space wouldn’t be complete without a captivating art collection.
Our team thus curated a diverse, eye-catching collection to tell the story of Denver, such that even those who can’t exit the airport will be able to experience the city’s culture, history, and spirit. Juxtaposing the polished, nature-themed artwork in the new A West Club, the art at B East is gritty, urban, and playful, much like the energy of downtown Denver.
First, an iconic hanging sculpture by Will Schlough creates a profound sense of arrival as travelers ride the escalator between levels. Made of 196 skateboard decks, the sculpture forms three pinecones inspired by the Colorado Blue Spruce Tree and its dramatic color shift as it matures in nature. The colorful transition speaks to the year-round adventure that can be found near Denver, whether within the city itself or the expansive wilderness surrounding it.
The design of the B East club reflects Denver’s craft beer scene with brewery-inspired elements and a new beer tasting experience, so it’s only fitting that the club’s bar be surrounded by a vibrant mural by visual artist Charlo Garcia Walterbach, which serves as the perfect companion for travelers awaiting their next flight. Nearby are colorful abstract paintings by Onecho and ephemeral, vignette-style photographs by Marco Magaña, which convey a sense of discovery and excitement that one might feel when exploring Downtown Denver.
Connecting the B East club to Colorado’s people and land are three fine art prints by local artist Danielle SeeWalker, who hand-embellished the prints on-site to add an extra touch of thoughtfulness and texture. These engaging artworks feature various Native American references including the beautiful and seductive shapeshifting Deer Woman, whose hooved deer feet are the only body part that hints at her true identity; a Lokata woman with delicately looped braids; and Patrick Kills Crow, a Lokata elder who is deeply respected in SeeWalker’s tribe and throughout the Denver Native American community.
As travelers move up to level four, they’re met with a large-scale piece by local artist Thomas “Detour” Evans, featuring vibrant colors that nod to Denver’s growing arts scene and the many street murals found throughout the city. And two of Denver’s most popular muralists are featured just across the way. Artists Jamie Molina and Pedro Barrios – known as “The Worst Crew” – employ their famous coastal colors, geometric patterns, and folksy style in a large-scale mural simply titled Denver, which creates the perfect gathering and lounge space for travelers.
Altogether, the art program at United Airlines’ new B East Club tells a compelling story about the spirit of Denver. From bright sunset hues and hand-painted murals to tactile mosaics and nods to the city’s diversity, B East is ripe with Mile High reflections that are sure to please both locals and tourists alike.
