A dedication for the massive Route 66 Rising sculpture in Tulsa is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. May 20.
According to a news release from the Oklahoma Route 66 Association via city planner Dennis Whitaker:
Mayor G.T. Bynum and City Councilor Crista Patrick will host this event, joined by guests from out of town: the artist Eric F. Garcia and grandchildren of Cyrus Avery, the Father of Route 66.
Parking will be available at Freedom Homes, 9516 E. Admiral Place, on the southwest corner of the intersection. A pedestrian crossing will be reserved between the parking area and the sculpture.
Construction of the sculpture essentially was finished in early December, although touch-ups were being completed as recently as a few weeks ago. The sculpture sits at Admiral Boulevard and Mingo Road.
The $650,000 sculpture, paid for with Vision 2025 sales-tax money in Tulsa County, is about 70 feet long and 30 feet tall.
Garcia, the designer, of EFG Creative in Albuquerque also designed the roadrunner-influenced Route 66 directional signs in Albuquerque about three years ago.
The roundabout where the sculpture sits is part of Avery Traffic Circle, a former site of Avery’s motel that also consisted of a gas station and the Old English Inn.
Route 66 Rising allows for some ambiguity: Is the Route 66 shield rising from the primordial ooze, or is it sinking as it ages? The title of the sculpture gives an indication of the artist’s intent. But its appearance lends itself to other interpretations.
It’s hoped the sculpture will lead to more tourists in the often-overlooked Admiral Place alignment of Route 66, which is rougher around the edges but still leads travelers to gems, including Hank’s Hamburgers and the Circle Cinema.
(Image of the Route 66 Rising sculpture in Tulsa by Bret Bradford via Facebook)