Spirit of Flight is a juried exhibition that asks photographers to submit images they feel embody “the spirit of flight.”
Selected by a jury of Museum staff and volunteers, the exhibition showcases a stunning selection of images curated from hundreds of photographs submitted by photographers from around the world.
Introduction & Spirit of Flight 2020 Winners
[Matthew's video will appear here]
Use the thumbnails to navigate, or switch to full-screen with the double-arrow icon in the upper-right corner.
1st Place - Mustangs at Dawn, Rick Gauthreaux
I have only recently discovered the joys of photography, in the last 8 years or so, but as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for aviation. When there is a confluence of both interests, it is exciting to capture a moment that displays both interests. Recently retired, and living in southern California, I look forward to continuing pursuing both interests, as well as a wide variety of other subjects
"Mustangs at Dawn" features a line-up of the classic P-51 Mustang, taken in Chino California. Often times, skies in southern California during May can be gray and overcast in the morning, but this morning the skies cooperated. The golden morning light, cast in the skies, as well as reflecting on the polished aluminum, combined with the elegant lines of the airplane itself makes the photo.
2nd Place - Ready for Home, Kim Nicholas
Kim A. Nicholas, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, is a retired veterinarian living in the greater Seattle area. He has incorporated his passions for aviation, animals and photography by traveling extensively to appreciate the grandeur of wildlife and his awe of aviation expressed in his photographs.
Dr. Nicholas is an instrument rated pilot and built his own RV-9a aircraft. He holds the rank of Captain in the Civil Air Patrol and teaches cadets aerospace education topics such as drones, rocketry, robotics and aviation. Additional photographs can be viewed on his website
Use the thumbnails to navigate this year's selections, or switch to full-screen with the double-arrow icon in the upper-right corner.
2020 Theme
This year’s exhibition images will reflect upon the “Spirit of Flying Home.” Inspired by the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, and the boundless emotions felt the world over by returning service members and families after the extended global conflict.
Know a kid interested in photography?
Introduce them to our first-ever, Spirit of Flight Junior Competition!
