Florida State University is bringing one of college football’s most iconic traditions to the Tallahassee International Airport. In the FSU Welcome Center, a new interactive display gives travelers an opportunity to “plant the spear” and commemorate their time in Tallahassee.

Created through a collaboration between University Marketing, FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio and FSU Athletics, the display features a 7-foot, hand-painted aluminum replica of FSU’s flaming spear anchored in turf against a floor-to-ceiling backdrop of Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium. The installation builds on FSU’s expanded university and FSU Health presence throughout the airport.

“As a vital gateway to Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee International Airport is the perfect place to highlight FSU’s momentum across education, research and athletics,” said Dennis Schnittker, assistant vice president for University Communications and interim chief marketing officer. “This installation stands as a powerful symbol of our deep connection to the region, offering all travelers a memorable welcome that celebrates both our university and the community we call home.”

To construct the piece, Master Craftsman Studio adapted design elements from previous university projects, including the marquee spear outside the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Studio artists precision-cut metal feathers, hand-wrapped the spear’s shaft in leather and applied a specialized resin-layering technique to give the flame a realistic appearance.

“Our goal at University Marketing while creating this space was to provide an immersive experience that brings Florida State’s most storied traditions to life,” said Jared Milligan, FSU’s project manager for the space. “With the turf and stadium backdrop, the installation gives travelers a fun opportunity to share their connection to Tallahassee and Florida State University with an iconic pose.”

In addition to the spear installation, the refreshed Welcome Center features new furniture and displays highlighting FSU’s academics, research and athletics. Together, the updates strengthen the university’s presence throughout the airport.

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Master Craftsman Studio, an auxiliary unit of Florida State University Facilities, unveiled its latest project this week — its first federally approved monument.  

The project was initiated by the Air Force Association (AFA) Chapter 419 in 2021 and approved at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is located at the Tallahassee National Cemetery among the most visible monuments on the grounds.  

Chapter 419 tapped Master Craftsman Studio to design and build the monument, which aims to honor the service and sacrifice of United States Air Force (USAF) personnel.    

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Master Craftsman Studio,” said AFA Chapter 419 Memorial Coordinator Captain David Wilson. “We are excited about the USAF Memorial and look forward to working with them again.”  

Standing 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, the memorial’s four sides each convey a unique sentiment, including USAF iconography, important dates and its motto, “Aim high..Fly-Fight-Win.” The memorial includes dedications to active and inactive service members, including Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) and Gold Star Families.   

Phil Gleason, Master Craftsman artist manager, said the studio aimed for the monument to be a symbol of gratitude and respect to the men and women who have served. To that end, the monument is steeped in the heritage of the USAF and AFA.  

“We made a sleek representation of their symbolism that will harken the colors and style of the USAF aircraft,” Gleason said.  

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