Route 66 artist setting up shop near Mother Road

Route 66 artist, researcher and author Jerry McClanahan announced he is moving from north Texas to the Mother Road community of Chandler, Okla.

McClanahan holds considerable stature with roadies. In addition to being an accomplished painter of scenes from the Mother Road, he wrote the indispensable “Route 66: EZ Guide for Travelers” guidebook that combines detailed directions and maps.

He and Jim Ross, author of “Oklahoma Route 66,” also have done extensive historical research on obscure Route 66 alignments, culminating with their “U.S. 66: Bones of the Old Road” documentary. They also co-produced the popular “Here It Is!” maps of Route 66.

McClanahan said he is converting an electrical store at 306 Manvel Ave. (map here), which isn’t on Route 66 but literally a stone’s throw away. He also bought a house on the same block. He’s hoping to have the store partly converted into his as-yet-unnamed art gallery by tourism season. He says he’ll have the gallery “open by luck or by appointment” if you call ahead at 405-258-0130.

I e-mailed McClanahan about why he decided to make the move, after decades in the Lone Star State, to the Sooner State:

Chandler’s always seemed a nice town. I like the way it’s sited on hills, and the active downtown, and the Route 66 center in the Armory. Just seems like a lively town, and I’ve already met some great people. Jim Ross and Shellee Graham (who lives in town) have been keeping their eyes out for a suitable property, and scouted out this location for me.

McClanahan’s old Web site “bit the dust,” but one of his relatives is about to work on a new one that will let people to see his artwork.

In the meantime, this video gives you a good idea of his talent and style: