A Grand Mural of NW Ohio!

Swanton, OH: Grand Aire, a worldwide air charter provider and expedited trucking company based at Toledo Express Airport has commissioned a local artist to create a mural honoring the businesses, events and geography that make northwest Ohio such a special place to live. The mural is the creation of Darcy Berardi, a talented mural artist who specializes in turning plain walls in to works of art. The artwork at Grand Aire measures over 14.5 wide by 5.5 high and includes dozens of Toledo area icons such as the Toledo Museum of Art, Fallen Timbers, Honor Flight, Tony Packos and Jeep. It is on display in the bistro area of Grand Aires FBO for viewing by the many pilots, executives, politicians and celebrities who visit the airport each year. The general public is also welcome to stop in to take a look.

Having grown up in the Toledo area, this project was special to me as I was bringing to life the people, places and events that I know and love! said Berardi. Because of the detailed brushstrokes required, this was also one of her more challenging projects. She worked for weeks on the mural with a very small brush capturing the minutest aspects of logos, buildings and topography. The entire project was painted freehand from photographs and drawings of the various landmarks.

Darcy_Berardi_Grand_Aire_Mural_031711a.jpgWere thrilled to have this living history of our area on display in the FBO! Darcy did a fantastic job, said Grand Aire CEO Zachary Cheema. The area was open to the public while it was being created which led to much give and take between the artist and the viewers. Everyone had comments and suggestions which influenced the final results, noted Berardi.

Darcy Walters Berardi is a native of Northwest Ohio and currently resides in Huron. Berardis art is on display throughout the country in schools, businesses and private homes. In addition to the local Grand Aire mural, she also created a childrens mural in the library at Fort Meigs Elementary School. Darcy graduated from Maumee High School and Bowling Green State University with a B.S. in Art Education. After teaching for nine years, she launched her own mural painting business in 2000.

Founded in 1985 by Tahir & Katrina Cheema, Grand Aire operates the only 24/7 FBO at Toledo Express and is a non asset-based air charter company specializing in expedited air charter solutions. The company provides both freight and passenger charter services worldwide from its Toledo, Ohio headquarters. The company has won numerous service awards in recent years including the Wells Fargo Asian American Business Leadership Award and the Air Cargo Excellence Award. Last year, Diversity Business listed Grand Aire as one of Ohios leading minority-owned businesses. Grand Aire is also a service-disabled veteran-owned small business and is home to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio.

Air Cargo World, a top industry publication named Grand Aire as one of the top five air charter companies in North America. For more information, contact Jim Renda at 419-861-6777.