Hilton Head Island Airport is thrilled to announce the winner of its artwork competition. The competition is a key component of the ongoing Terminal Improvement Project, designed to more than double the size and capacity of the airport’s terminal. This initiative not only enhances the airport's infrastructure but also showcases the vibrant artistic community of Hilton Head Island.

The Airport’s Ad Hoc Artwork Selection Committee, composed of local artists, community leaders, and art enthusiasts, reviewed 229 submissions from over 100 artists. The entries depicted the island’s natural beauty, rich culture, and unique character and were evaluated for artistic excellence, relevance to the terminal setting, and ability to represent Hilton Head Island on a large scale.

After careful deliberation, the committee selected “Focused Precision” by Christy Kinard, a Charleston-based mixed-media artist, as the winning piece. Kinard's work will be reproduced on vinyl and installed on a prominent 16-foot by 28-foot glass wall inside the new terminal, serving as a welcoming feature for travelers for years to come.

In addition to the winning artwork, the committee also recognized outstanding entries, including the second-place winner, local Bluffton artist Joan Wykis's “Untitled” depiction of local shrimp boats.

“We are delighted with the response from our artistic community,” said Jon Rembold, Beaufort County Airports Director. “This installation will not only enhance the traveler experience but also celebrate the character and culture of Hilton Head Island. This collaboration with the community is exactly what the airport is about.”

The new terminal, currently under construction, is part of a transformative project designed to better serve the growing number of passengers traveling through Hilton Head Island Airport. The addition of this large-scale public art installation reflects the airport’s commitment to creating a space that is both functional and reflective of the community it serves.

For more information about the Hilton Head Island Airport and the Terminal Improvement Project, please visit Hilton Head Island Airport.

About Christy Kinard

Christy Kinard is a Charleston-based mixed-media artist whose expressive floral paintings celebrate the strength and beauty of Southern women. Her work is deeply rooted in memories of the Lowcountry — summers spent in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, fresh flowers, coastal light, and the textiles that surrounded her Southern upbringing.

Christy studied at SCAD and the Atlanta College of Art, launching her career with early corporate acquisitions by IBM. Time living in England and traveling throughout Europe further shaped her distinctive style of richly layered works, blending paint, paper, and fabric.

Today, her art is collected by leading clients including SPANX, IBM, and bestselling author Emily Giffin, and has been exhibited in galleries and art fairs across the U.S. and abroad. Now based in Charleston with her family, Christy continues to create vibrant works that connect deeply with collectors while honoring the coastal beauty and personal stories of the low country that shaped her artistic vision.

Website: www.christykinard.com

Instagram: @christykinard

The artwork selection committee reviewing submissions.

Prepping the art space.