New Artwork Installation Arrives at Airport

August 12, 2025

Fresno, CA (August 12, 2025)– A new mixed media mosaic mural titled “We Have Arrived” by celebrated artist Caleb Duarte now enhances the Fresno Yosemite International Airport parking garage. Caleb was selected though a statewide Call to Artists led by the Fresno Arts Council though the California Arts Council. Call to Artists specifications included artistic vision and representation of the cultural diversity and spirit of California’s Central Valley.

Caleb’s design consists of a painted ceramic central figure, inspired by Afro-Indigenous and Latinx futurisms, representing a growing abstract tree with well-grounded roots, reflecting the region’s surrounding mountains and forests. Decorative floating patterns symbolize flight and aerial views inspired by the airport’s existing 1960s “sky and ground” mosaic that adorns the exterior terminal building, curbside. Caleb’s design creates a thoughtful expression of Fresno’s unique cultural renaissance and a dynamic welcome for arriving visitors.

Prior to his recent passing, Director of Aviation Henry L. Thompson envisioned a public art program as part of the FAT Forward terminal expansion by partnering with the Fresno Arts Council to procure unique art pieces that integrate a welcoming and calming environment for travelers while reflecting the diversity and richness of California’s Central Valley. Caleb’s “We Have Arrived” mosaic mural adds to the growing number of art installations led by Mr. Thompson taking place under this multi-year development program.

“It has been a great honor to create this ceramic mural design as part of Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s terminal art program,” said Caleb Duarte. “We Have Arrived reflects Fresno’s unique cultural renaissance, representing belonging, imagination, and flight—This work envisions a world where space exploration and ecological restoration are entwined with ancestral memory and environmental stewardship, offering a renewed sense of home and place. It stands as a welcoming monument and a new site of collective memory for travelers and local residents alike.”

Caleb is an internationally acclaimed artist with numerous group and solo exhibitions spanning throughout California and globally including Mumbai, India; Chiapas, Mexico; Santiago de Cuba, Cuba; Montréal, Canada; Frankfurt, Germany; Pienza, Italy, and many other countries from around the world. His passion for art is shared through mentoring in high schools, colleges and as a tenured Professor of Sculpture at Fresno City College.

“The piece created by Artist Caleb Duarte “We Have Arrived” is an incredible addition to the experience one has when traveling to and from the City of Fresno,” said Lillia G. Chavez, Executive Director of Fresno Arts Council. “The way the piece speaks to the heritage of our valley and to the original mosaic on the face of the Airport is beautiful. I applaud our city leadership and the Airport staff for recognizing the important role the arts play in providing a welcoming and comforting environment, one that people will want to visit often. A true testament to the important role our airport plays in the economic strength of our community overall.”

Fresno Yosemite International Airport – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is one of the largest drivers in economic activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers nonstop flights to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland (Seasonal), Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Guadalajara, León, and Morelia in Mexico.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Fresno Chandler Executive Airport are municipally owned entities operating as a self-supporting enterprise.

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