Gateway Arch marks 50th year

Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Gateway Arch, the best-known symbol for the city of St. Louis. Indeed, it's one of the most famous monuments in the world, and although it isn't on Route 66, it remains a popular destination for tourists who are traveling the Mother Road. Much of the … Continue reading Gateway Arch marks 50th year

Tulsa wants your feedback on a proposed Route 66 art project

A few weeks ago, the city of Tulsa's Arts Commission requested proposals from artists for a Route 66-related sculpture at the traffic circle at Admiral Place and Mingo Road, which was a crucial intersection during the Mother Road's early days. The city also is seeking feedback not only from Tulsa residents, but the entire Route … Continue reading Tulsa wants your feedback on a proposed Route 66 art project

Book review: “The Trip”

A trip on Route 66 often changes the life of the person taking that journey. Andy Warhol's trip from New York City to Los Angeles in 1963 -- much of it on 66 -- probably didn't change his career, but it accelerated it into him becoming a Pop Art icon. Deborah Davis makes the case about … Continue reading Book review: “The Trip”

Tulsa seeks Route 66 art projects

If you're an artist inspired by Route 66, the Arts Commission for the City of Tulsa is seeking artwork at two Route 66 sites in town. The first site is for the traffic circle at East Admiral Place and South Mingo Road, which is on the original 1926 to 1932 alignment of Route 66 in … Continue reading Tulsa seeks Route 66 art projects

Conference center being built near Red Oak II

A conference center is being built across the road from Red Oak II complex near Carthage, Missouri, to generate revenue and help preserve re-creation of artist Lowell Davis' childhood hometown. Paul Adler at KY3 in Springfield, Missouri, filed this well-produced report about Red Oak II and hopes to preserve it for future generations: Enter Larry … Continue reading Conference center being built near Red Oak II

Book review: “Waldmire”

It seems a bit odd to call William Crook Jr.'s publication about his memories of the life of Bob Waldmire a book, as it's a slim 28 pages and staple-bound. Regardless, "Waldmire" (subtitled "An Artist's Life on Route 66") contains details about the hippie, environmentalist and Route 66 artist that might have escaped those who even … Continue reading Book review: “Waldmire”

Software developer has idea for vacant Route 66 buildings

A software developer in Albuquerque has come up with a fascinating idea to help transform vacant buildings along the city's Central Avenue (aka Route 66) corridor, according to KOB-TV. Max Baptiste recently founded an initiative called We Are This City. Baptiste’s initiative will focus on transforming the exteriors of downtown vacant buildings through art and … Continue reading Software developer has idea for vacant Route 66 buildings

Booklet published on life of Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire

A friend of the late Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire has published a 28-page booklet, "Waldmire: An Artist's Life On Route 66." Springfield, Illinois, artist Bill Crook met Waldmire during the 1970s and wrote the book, according to the Springfield State Journal-Register. "Waldmire" includes reproductions of some of Waldmire's art, some of Crook's art, including … Continue reading Booklet published on life of Route 66 artist Bob Waldmire

New mural installed at Joe Becker Stadium

A new mural that pays tribute to Route 66 and former Joplin baseball figures Joe Becker and Mickey Mantle went up a few days ago at the refurbished Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin, Missouri. The mural was funded by Leadership Joplin and created by several Missouri Southern State University students, according to KOAM-TV. The mural, … Continue reading New mural installed at Joe Becker Stadium

Joplin approves rezoning of Dale’s Ole 66 Barber Shop

The city council of Joplin, Missouri, on Monday night unanimously voted to approve a special-use permit for Dale's Ole 66 Barber Shop that would allow an artist to set up a gallery and visitors center there, according to the Joplin Globe. The barber shop, owned by Dale Holly's widow, is in a former Phillips 66 cottage-style … Continue reading Joplin approves rezoning of Dale’s Ole 66 Barber Shop