The Kenai Municipal Airport is building a new bronze wildlife sculpture to welcome passengers and visitors departing and arriving in Kenai for Fall 2025. The sculpture will bring a degree of art that enhances and amplifies the community and conveys a unique welcome message of respect and awareness.
The life-size and lifelike sculptures of a brown bear with two cubs are designed to capture the essence of the Kenai Peninsula and its wild treasures and beauty.
Mary Bondurant, former Kenai Airport Manager, says the idea originated in 2023 when the Kenai Wildlife Refuge approached her about bringing a design idea they had a few years earlier of bronze sculptures at the airport.
Bondurant then met with the city of Kenai and Christine Cunningham, Assistant to the City Manager, where they comprised a committee of local folks and community members interested in getting the sculptures at the airport.
With the approval of the Airport Commission and the Kenai City Council; the concept moved forward.
Last year, the Kenai Bronze Bear Sculpture Working Group was formed. It exemplifies strong cross-sector collaboration, uniting governmental entities, non-profits, and community organizations such as the Kenaitze Tribe, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, the Kenai Arts Center, and the Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center. The group is committed to bringing the bronze bear family sculpture to the Kenai Municipal Airport.
They are partnering to work toward funding for the project through sponsorships and donations and are seeking grant opportunities. The three bronze bear sculptures cost approximately $200,000, including installation.
Cunningham says the council supports the project and encourages the group to get funding so the sculpture won’t be funded by taxpayer dollars.
Bondurant mentions they are also considering fundraising opportunities to bring the project to fruition.
She is enthusiastic about the project and says they want to showcase the terminal, the communities, and the cultural and artistic landscape.
“This is just going to create a great photo opportunity for people when they come to the airport, and in a lot of cases, the airport is the first thing they see when they come to the Kenai Peninsula.” Bondurant says.
She also says that in the coming months, with the help of the Chamber, they will create different events to familiarize the community with the project.
With a donation of at least $100, you can have your name inscribed on a plaque or a salmon that will be in the airport or somewhere local next to the sculpture so that you know you were part of creating this project.
This one-of-a-kind bronze sculpture will create an unforgettable experience and memory for all who pass through the Kenai Municipal Airport.
The sculpture will be located at the north end of the terminal this fall.
For more information on the sculpture and to donate to the project, please visit kenaibronze.com.