Diana Johnson Wiles spent 30 years as a museum exhibit producer and designer. Reflecting that career, her art pieces are created to interpret global cultures and their interrelationships with each other and with nature. With more than 40 clients ranging from the Smithsonian to various state museums, art museums and European galleries, she has worked with all media associated with exhibit production since 1973. Wiles won the highest award in the exhibit design industry, Communication Arts’ Annual Award in 2001, for her last museum project, the new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. After her retirement from the museum field in 2004, she began working as a full-time artist.

Artist Statement

“Most recently, my work has been influenced by globalization of communities and therefore art forms that represent them. Most ideas for my pieces come from my work and travels abroad and within the U.S., including visits to artists’ communities in remote locations throughout the world. My most recent trips have been to Thailand and Bhutan in July.”

“When I begin a piece, my first concern is the narrative I want to convey. Each final product must represent a story, usually involving the links between ancient and modern cultures. After establishing the story through sketches and writing, I focus on integrating architectural elements or found objects with hand-cut glass, tile and wood.”

Shown Left: Golden Peacock, 24K gold leaf, Murano smalti, tile, found objects on wood, 12" x 75" x 5." Right: War and Pisces, Murano smalti, tile, found objects on wood, 23" x 73" x 12."

Arts at the Airport receives funding for the visual arts from the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) and the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC). The Flying Solo Exhibition Series is funded under an agreement with the TAC. For more information about Arts at the Airport, please call (615) 275-1614.