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
Category: Art
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
Joplin barber shop likely to become gallery, visitors center
An automotive artist from California may buy Dale's Ole 66 Barber Shop in Joplin, Missouri, and turn it into a gallery and visitors center, according to the Joplin Globe. Len Nordmann of Lake Elsinore, California, wants to buy the property at 2312 Utica St. (aka Route 66) from Shirley Holly, widow of longtime owner Dale Holly, who owned it … Continue reading Joplin barber shop likely to become gallery, visitors center
Restoration of Totem Pole begins
Two artists who hail from Tulsa recently began restoration of the top part of the main totem pole at Totem Pole Park, off Route 66 in Foyil, Oklahoma, according to KOTV. Margo Hoover and Erin Turner began using power washers Saturday to strip the remnants of the old paint off so they can repaint the … Continue reading Restoration of Totem Pole begins
Lebanon proposes $500,000 Route 66 park
The parks director of Lebanon, Missouri, unveiled a plan to build a $500,000, Route 66-themed park in the city that already has received a $25,000 commitment from the Laclede County Board. However, the parks board balked at the project's price and the fact no one from the Route 66 Committee showed up at the meeting, … Continue reading Lebanon proposes $500,000 Route 66 park
Totem Pole Park launches campaign for its restoration
The directors of Ed Galloway's Totem Pole Park near Foyil, Oklahoma, have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help restore the top half of the main, 90-foot-tall totem pole. According to KJRH-TV in Tulsa, the top half of the big totem pole is starting to chip. If enough money is raised, top-quality paint will be used … Continue reading Totem Pole Park launches campaign for its restoration
Large Indian statue moved to Edmond
A large bronze statue of American Indian chief Touch the Clouds that once graced the Houston Oilers' stadium was purchased and moved to a spot this week along Route 66 in Edmond, Oklahoma. According to the Edmond Sun newspaper, the statue by David McGary was bought with $50,000 in city discretionary funds. Edmond features more than 150 pieces … Continue reading Large Indian statue moved to Edmond
Artist restores his Route 66 mural in Webb City
John Biggs, who created in 1993 a large Route 66 mural on a building in downtown Webb City, Missouri, has restored the landmark, according to the Joplin Globe. The mural on the Bruner Pharmacy building at Main and Daugherty streets (map here) portrays several landmarks on Route 66 from Chicago to Webb City. The location … Continue reading Artist restores his Route 66 mural in Webb City