Balloon Museum in Albuquerque launches student art contest for Route 66 centennial show

The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is inviting K-12 students across the Albuquerque metro area to help bring the magic of hot air balloons to life as part of a special youth art exhibition celebrating the Route 66 centennial. Opening in June, the museum’s Route 66 exhibit will feature a black-and-white mural created by … Continue reading Balloon Museum in Albuquerque launches student art contest for Route 66 centennial show

New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe unveils Route 66 centennial mural

The New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe recently unveiled a mural that commemorates Route 66's centennial this year. Albuquerque artist Molly Mendenhall created the artwork, titled “Mother Road Coming into Color," reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. She came up with the idea to depict the changing landscape of New Mexico through time, largely defined by … Continue reading New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe unveils Route 66 centennial mural

Ken Turmel, known for his PostmarkArt, dies at 69

Ken Turmel, a Route 66 enthusiast best known for his "PostmarkArt" featuring postmarks from dozens out outposts, died Tuesday. He was 69. Turmel, a longtime Oklahoma City resident, had just completed treatments for throat cancer, according to his wife of 30 years, Melissa, and several friends. According to his website, Turmel was born in Santa … Continue reading Ken Turmel, known for his PostmarkArt, dies at 69

Leaders break ground on Hub City Gateway, a modern Route 66 roadside attraction, in Clinton

Oklahoma and local leaders joined West OK Co-Op last Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Hub City Gateway, a new modern roadside attraction along Route 66 that uses large-scale art and architecture to welcome travelers to Clinton and highlight an original stretch of the historic highway on the city’s east side. The indoor ceremony was held … Continue reading Leaders break ground on Hub City Gateway, a modern Route 66 roadside attraction, in Clinton

New Decopolis store in Tulsa installs huge “Tulsa 66” sign

Decopolis, a gift shop "where science and magic meet adventure," recently installed a large, Art Deco-inspired "Tuisa 66" sign in front of its second location on the city's east side. Here's a look at the 30-by-30-foot sign, which will feature neon lighting that will be installed later. More images from the sign's installation: Decopolis owner … Continue reading New Decopolis store in Tulsa installs huge “Tulsa 66” sign

“Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza” planned for downtown Springfield

A “Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza” is planned for downtown Springfield, Missouri, at the spot where local highway officials chose No. 66 for the Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. The spot at Jefferson Avenue at Park Central East is the former site of the long-gone Colonial Hotel. That's where transportation officials chose No. 66 for the highway and … Continue reading “Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza” planned for downtown Springfield

OKC Council approves placement of Big Boot sculpture near Cowboy Museum

It's official -- the Big Boot sculpture will be placed at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. KWTV reported that the City Council last week approved the plan to install the 35-foot-tall art installation east of the famed museum just off an alignment of Route 66. Originally planned for a location … Continue reading OKC Council approves placement of Big Boot sculpture near Cowboy Museum

Groundbreaking set for Dec. 11 on Hub City Gateway in Clinton

A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held on Dec. 11 for the Hub City Gateway, a Route 66 landmark that will welcome travelers into Clinton, Oklahoma, and mark an original section of the historic highway. The project will feature a two-sided gateway that spells “Clinton” for travelers in one direction and “Route 66” in the other, … Continue reading Groundbreaking set for Dec. 11 on Hub City Gateway in Clinton

“Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time” named an official centennial initiative

In celebration of the approaching centennial of the Mother Road, “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time,” by teen photographer Anthony Schmidt, has been designated an official Route 66 Centennial Project. The designation recognizes the project’s commitment to celebrating, preserving and reimagining the legacy of Route 66 as it enters its second century. … Continue reading “Rediscovering Route 66 – One Miniature Mile at a Time” named an official centennial initiative

Norman Rockwell exhibit debuts today at the J.M. Davis Museum in Claremore

The J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum along Route 66 in Claremore, Oklahoma, today is opening its newest exhibit, "Norman Rockwell: In Search of America." Rockwell, a painter and illustrator for about 60 years, was beloved during his lifetime for his sometimes whimsical, sometimes serious look at American life. According to the Oklahoma Route 66 … Continue reading Norman Rockwell exhibit debuts today at the J.M. Davis Museum in Claremore