Penny Mutter is a master crafter, she can takes everyday objects and rips them apart only to put them back together and create something special.

“With the art that I make and the crafts that I make, I combine old and new. To me that’s a cherished memory that can never go away,” said Mutter.

She uses services at PACE CNY that help her with physical, mental and social needs. About 20 years ago, Penny got a concussion that caused permanent damage. It wasn’t until her injury that she got into crafting and making art.

“Art and making things is taking something from your heart things from your heart and putting it on a canvas, putting it in a basket, putting it on a wreath,” said Mutter.

Her talent is one of many that can be seen on the walls of the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Penny’s painting was part of a program to help connect people during last years lockdown. PACE CNY was one of 10 local organizations that participated.

Loretto’s Nottingham, Tully High School, and Hilbrook Juvenille Detention Center are a just a few places that helped contribute to the 120 pieces of art that now hang on the airport walls.

“This is just a nice touch to be able to show off our community to those travelers who are coming and going through the airport,” said Syracuse Hancock International Airport Executive Director Jason Terreri. “As an airport, we’re the first and last impression of a community and It’s great to be able to show it off.”

The art gives travelers something to look at and enjoy and maybe learn something about the people who live in Syracuse. People like Penny who create art to help manage any challenges that come their way.

“I say it looks exactly like what I saw in my mind and I always find just the right person to enjoy it,” said Mutter.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport has been adding art in numerous ways to enhance travelers experience. In addition to the Art Program, there was a Poetry Contest and those poems are hanging on the walls near the museum on the first floor. There’s also have plans to introduce live music in the grand hall.