Faith leaders and residents demand accountability after controversial John Wayne Airport art display

Religious leaders and Orange County residents urged the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 13 to investigate how a provocative art exhibit was displayed for months at John Wayne Airport and to tighten oversight of public art in county‑run spaces.

Speakers described an exhibit titled "Perceiving the Divine" by artist April Bey and said works with titles such as "Enter Big God's Bed — Man's on His Knees Giving Big God Head" were offensive to faith communities and to Black residents who encountered the display. "When publicly funded spaces present content that desecrates religious belief, it crosses a line," Brenda Levsack, founder of the Interfaith Statewide Coalition, told the Board.

Public reaction and Board response: Multiple speakers — including Tamiko Anderson (retired teacher) and Bishop Gail Oliver — asked why the artwork remained on display for more than four months and why airport and art‑commission procedures did not catch it. Supervisor Foley, who represents the airport jurisdiction, said she was "deeply concerned" and would ask the airport director and commissioners for steps to ensure the incident doesn't recur. Supervisor Wagner said the airport commission did not approve the exhibit and that staff must explain how it was installed.

Why it matters: Speakers framed the issue as both an offense to faith communities and a failure of oversight in a public space used by families and travelers. County staff confirmed the work had been taken down in December; supervisors asked for a report back explaining approval processes and how the piece was installed without commission approval.

Next steps: Supervisors requested a staff report on how the exhibit was approved, who authorized installation, and what process changes are needed to ensure better vetting for airport exhibits. The Board did not take an action at the meeting; staff agreed to follow up.