Warner Robins unveils ‘Wings at Commercial Circle’ art installation

WARNER ROBINS — A new public art installation was unveiled in Warner Robins on Friday, May 16. The “Wings at Commercial Circle” sculpture is located at Commercial Circle and features 46 handcrafted metal plane sculptures. This installation celebrates technical education, community partnerships, and the city’s rich aviation history.

The planes were crafted by welding students from Central Georgia Technical College and the Houston County and Peach County Boards of Education. This partnership between the educational institutions and the city represented flight, progress, and innovation.

“In the city of Warner Robins, if you have a dream, we give it wings; let’s take flight. This signifies that very goal,” Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said.

The Downtown Development Authority and the Community and Economic Development Department led the project, which received funding from the Georgia Council for the Arts. The city’s Public Works Department was responsible for constructing the sculpture base, with special recognition given to team member Matt Porter for his exceptional welding skills.

Mike Pace, the Dean of Aerospace, Trade, and Industry at Central Georgia Technical College, spoke at the unveiling ceremony alongside Dr. Lionel Brown, Superintendent of Peach County Schools, and Dr. Ricky Rogers, Assistant Superintendent of Houston County Schools.

Pace said the sculpture aligns with a larger concept of skill-based learning and community involvement.

“One thing that we’re always trying to impart on our students is not only the skill sets, but also being a good community member, and it’s things like this that really kind of take it to the next level and show the great things that are going on in this community and right here in Commercial Circle,” he said.

Rogers believes the sculpture will positively impact the community and the students who contributed to its creation.

“As [students] drop by, I hope they bring their future children by this—as they eat here, as we develop Commercial Circle in the city of Warner Robins—that they’ll look over and say, ‘I had a part in that,’’ he said. “[They’ll] go show someone that plane, tell them what they did, tell their story and the positive difference they made here.”

Patrick is hopeful the piece will spark future inspiration in the city’s students.

“I’m hoping it inspires them to get creative and they approach the city with some ideas of things that they would like to do and they would like to see here, when it comes to art in our community. We’re really trying to boost the cultural arts part of what the city is going to be responsible for, and the sculpture is going to be a huge part when we redevelop downtown,” she said.

She’s also hopeful the sculpture will attract more visitors who can see the city’s proposed future for Commercial Circle.

“I hope it makes them want to come stroll by, walk by, run by, jog by, skateboard by, bike by, to see the sculpture and to also take a chance to look at the renderings that’s posted here in Commercial Circle, so the community can have a reason to come see something new, and get inspired for what’s all going to be coming here soon,” she said.