From now through the end of August, paintings by Cuban-born artist Viredo (just “Viredo”) are on display at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal.

Viredo’s paintings are inspired by the complex Afro-Cuban culture of his childhood in Regla, Cuba. Here’s a sample:

(Carmen 1998 - Courtesy Viredo and John Wayne Airport)

In the 1950’s, Viredo was one of the influential Cuban artists that became known as “The Group of Eleven” (Grupo de Los Once). He left Cuba for the United States in 1969 and is now an Orange County-based artist.

A colorful selection of Viredo’s paintings are on display on the departure (upper) level near the security screening areas and on the arrival (lower) level near baggage carousels 1 and 4.

Travelers heading out from John Wayne Airport (SNA) can be among the first to cast ballots in Orange County’s 2008 primary election. Between Sunday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 27, the Orange County Registrar of Voters will be offering early voting at the airport between 6 AM and 9 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 7 AM to 9 PM on Sundays. Voting booths will be located post-security in Terminal A, between the Sunglass Hut and Caterina’s, across from gate 9.

Some welcome and useful improvements at Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California:

Travelers with laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices will be pleased to find that power outlets have been conveniently placed between the seat backs at Gates 2 – 14.

(Photo courtesy John Wayne Airport)

The airport is also proud of its restroom renovations. The Terminal B restrooms (across from Gate 4) have already re-opened. Restrooms in Terminal A (across from Gate 11) will re-open this summer.

SNA’s lavatories aren’t just new, they’re “environmentally responsible,” with low-flush toilets and “Zurn urinals that use only one-eighth of a gallon of water – well under the federal standard of 1 gallon maximum per flush.”