Aviation Artwork

The Ohio State University Airport is home to an impressive gallery of aviation and aerospace artwork, located on the second floor of the Austin E. Knowlton Executive Terminal & Aviation Learning Center. The prints are on permanent display thanks to a generous donation by Ohio State graduate and former Ohio State Airport employee, Colonel Edward “Otto” Pernotto, USAFR (Ret.). The Pernotto Historical Collection is a lifelong assemblage of aerospace and military artifacts and prints.

“It's my pleasure to provide visitors a chance to honor these incredible aviators and space pioneers and perhaps inspire new generations to achieve greatness.” - Colonel Edward “Otto” Pernotto, USAFR (Ret.)

Click the image below to view the gallery online.

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Featured artwork

Jesse Brown Collection

He Who Dares
He Who Dares...Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown
by Rick Reeves
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Devotion
by Matt Hall

In becoming the U. S. Navy's first African American aviator, Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown fulfilled a childhood dream to fly. Brown enrolled in The Ohio State University in 1944 as an architectural engineering major and was accepted into the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp program. In the Navy he served as a fighter pilot in the Korean War and died at the age of 24 after crash landing into the mountains of North Korea during a battle. His wingman, LTJG Thomas Hudger, purposely crash-landed his own plane in an attempt to rescue Brown. Read more background information here.

Tuskegee Airmen Collection

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332nd Fighter Group 99th Fighter Squadron
Tuskegee Airmen 332nd Fighter Group 99th Fighter Squadron
by Ric Druet
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100th Fighter Squadron
Tuskegee Airmen 332nd Fighter Group 100th Fighter Squadron
by Ric Druet
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Legend of the Red Tails
Legend of the Red Tails
by Ray Simon

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black American aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps (predecessor to the U.S. Air Force). They are commended for their bravery, dedication and success during World War II, as well as for overcoming segregation and prejudice. The highly decorated airmen and support staff were based in Tuskegee, Alabama and later moved to Lockbourne Army Airfield (known today as Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base) in Columbus, Ohio. Click here to learn about each piece of signed artwork in this collection.

Gathering of Eagles Collection

Gathering of Eagles
Gathering of Eagles 1982
by William J. Reynolds
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Gathering of Eagles 2005
Legends Forging Leaders
by William J. Reynolds

Collection includes signed prints from 1982, 1985, 1987, 1997, 2002, 2003 and 2005. More images coming. Explore details of the prints here.

The Gathering of Eagles Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that aims to preserve the United States Air Force’s legacy through the celebration of 70 years of Airpower and empowerment of youth in Alabama’s River Region. The GOE Foundation provides financial support to enhance Air Command and Staff College’s Gathering of Eagles program, an annual educational event geared to allow the local community and military members to learn from and honor men and women (our Eagles) who have made significant contributions to air, space and cyberspace power.

Space Collection

Naval Aviators in Space
Naval Aviators in Space
by Robert L. Rasmussen
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Apollo: Navy to the Moon
Apollo: Navy to the Moon
by Robert L. Rasmussen

This series of limited edition prints depicts the progress of space exploration. By Robert L. Rasmussen, retired Captain of the U.S. Navy, the prints are signed by notable aviators and astronauts, as well as the artist. Learn more about the history behind this stunning artwork, as well as explore details about the famous signers, by clicking here.

About the Donor: Edward “Otto” Pernotto

Image of Edward "Otto" Pernotto

Edward “Otto” Pernotto was born and raised in Youngstown Ohio. While attending The Ohio State University he participated in Civil Air Patrol and Air Force ROTC, and worked in the Don Scott Airport Maintenance Parts Department. After graduation and commissioning, he served 30 years in the Air Force Reserve. He has also been a Defense Department civilian, worked in the defense industry and co-founded cybersecurity company Mission Secure Inc.

He has collected aerospace and military art prints and military and historical items, and has loaned and donated to various museums and other organizations. His donations include the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Washington DC, National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, OH, the Ohio History Center Columbus, OH, American History Museum in Stow, Massachusetts, and the Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton, OH.

His donations to Ohio State Airport were some of his most valuable prints and include images and signatures representing some of the most important events and people in aviation and aerospace history.

Image of Aviation Artwork Collection signage