McKINNEY, Texas (Nov. 6, 2026) — McKinney National Airport (DTX) in collaboration with the McKinney Arts Commission commissioned two Texas-based muralists to create painted artworks at the airport. The murals spotlight the City of McKinney’s unique by nature community and culture through current points of interest and historical milestones on expansive walls at the departures curbside and inside baggage claim.
Departures (Curbside)
Artist Mila Sketch brings the City of McKinney and its urban environment to life in the 44-by-24-foot mural she painted at the departures curbside. Titled “Welcome to McKinney, Texas,” the Austin-based and Russia-born artist’s high-profile canvas speaks visually to locals, visitors, and employees, and will be the first thing they see when arriving to the terminal. The mural transforms the exterior space to a point of connection — capturing the energy of movement, the anticipation of travel, and McKinney’s forward-looking spirit.
Points of interest in the vividly colored mural include a central focus on the year 1848 when McKinney was founded, the city’s agricultural roots and ranching economy, historical buildings, and the airport’s first flight in 1912.
Arrivals (Baggage Claim)
Dallas-based artist Alec DeJesus created “Dreams in Motion,” a 44-by-15-foot mixed-media installation exploring travel, movement, and human connection. Through a dynamic composition of hand-painted, dimensional figures and sculptural luggage elements, the artwork explores the dreams, memories, and aspirations that accompany travelers on their journey.
The piece reflects on the shared experience of travel and the millions of personal journeys passing through the airport each day. It also creates a sense of movement that extends beyond the baggage claim wall. Each figure represents a journey in progress, capturing the anticipation of new beginnings, the excitement of discovery, and the connections formed along the way.
“These public artworks represent daily life, culture, and economic vitality in the City of McKinney and highlight the creativity, character, connections, and community pride of those who live, work, and visit here,” said McKinney Assistant City Manager Barry Shelton.
“We thank the McKinney Arts Commission for their collaboration and financial support to bring the city’s passion for the arts to our airport,” Shelton continued.
Beginning with the first flights from DTX on Nov. 11, 2026, the artworks serve as backdrops for millions of travelers’ experiences for decades to come.
“Airports are by nature connectors, and they have a unique opportunity to host art that reflects what makes our community unique. The Arts Commission is excited to give visitors a sense of what makes McKinney special through these installations,” said McKinney Cultural District Director Andrew Jones.
The murals were unveiled by the artists and City of McKinney representatives during DTX’s community preview event on Nov. 6, 2026.
“The murals connect McKinney National Airport as the gateway to the City of McKinney and region beyond and all that locals and visitors know and experience as they journey through our airport,” said McKinney Airport Director Ken Carley. “Congratulations to the commissioned muralists for their expertise and creativity in transforming our passenger terminal into a warm, welcoming, and memorable space for travelers.”
The public art RFP for DTX, which was open to artists across Texas in May 2026, sought artworks to highlight the McKinney area for visitors by featuring city history, landmarks, and culture, and to incorporate the airport’s “Heritage Modern” theme, with designs blending traditional and historical charm with clean, contemporary simplicity. DTX and the McKinney Arts Commission together funded $60,000 for both original artworks.
Learn more about DTX and the murals at FlyDTX.com.
About the Artists
Mila Sketch appeared on the cover of The Austin Chronicle in April 2025, celebrating a decade of creative contributions to Austin, and has been recognized by Austin Monthly and The Austin Chronicle. Sketch’s works have been exhibited in Texas, across the U.S., and internationally, including at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., and the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art in South Korea. Her collaborations have included Google, Mazda, The Walt Disney Company, Marriott, Holiday Inn, and The Boring Company. Learn more about Sketch by visiting her bio.
Alec DeJesus is a largely self-taught artist and muralist whose work often combines figurative imagery, natural elements, and surreal environments to tell stories rooted in strength, pride, and human connection. Creating murals for more than a decade, Alec’s practice spans large-scale public art, civic commissions, commercial projects, and site-specific installations. He is actively involved in the Dallas arts community and programs that support artists, arts organizations, and the continued growth of the region’s creative community. His work has been commissioned by national brands, municipalities, universities, cultural organizations, and private clients, including Nike, Starbucks, and Lexus. In addition to his mural at DTX, Alec’s recent public projects include large-scale commissions throughout North Texas, including work for the City of Arlington and City of Frisco. Learn more about DeJesus by visiting his bio.
Media Contacts
Rosemary Barnes
Public Relations Director
Aviatrix Communications
[email protected]
408-813-8837
Aschelle Morgan
Senior Executive Communications and Public Affairs Manager
City of McKinney
[email protected]
904-655-5698
About McKinney National Airport
McKinney National Airport has served as a general aviation airport under FAA code TKI for over 40 years and is now expanding to provide commercial air service in support of the growing population and ongoing business investment in the North Texas region. In summer 2025, McKinney city and airport leaders broke ground at McKinney National Airport (IATA code DTX) on a terminal to serve more than 2 million passengers annually and will open to the public on November 11, 2026. Avelo Airlines is the first carrier to serve McKinney National Airport. With nonstop flights to 11 cities and the new terminal, located at 1910 FM 546, McKinney, TX 75069, North Texas residents, businesses, and visitors will have more options to travel to and from the region, saving them time, money, and hassle. Learn more at FlyDTX.com and follow @FlyDTX on Instagram and X, and McKinney National Airport on Facebook.
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