A report in an area newspaper recently clarified how Joliet, Illinois, will use nearly $500,000 to beef up its Route 66 attractions for the highway's centennial in 2026. According to the Herald-News (paywall), the city council loaned $484,500 to the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau so it could get started quickly on Route 66 … Continue reading Joliet clarifies what it will do with nearly a half-million dollars for Route 66
Category: Art
New murals help brighten Route 66 corridors in Collinsville, Edwardsville, Yukon
New murals that recently were painted in Collinsville and Edwardsville, Illinois, and Yukon, Oklahoma, are brightening the drive on Route 66 in those towns. The one that was finished this week in Edwardsville is part of the Route 66 Mural Art Trail, where 12 murals are planned along Route 66 in Illinois. The Edwardsville mural … Continue reading New murals help brighten Route 66 corridors in Collinsville, Edwardsville, Yukon
Route 66 pedestrian underpass in Chelsea reopens to the public
The historic pedestrian tunnel under Route 66 in Chelsea, Oklahoma, recently reopened to the public after vandalism forced its closing about a year ago. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association made the announcement of the reopening of the underpass: The tunnel was refurbished in 2016 with a Route 66-style mural that spotlights Chelsea landmarks. The tunnel … Continue reading Route 66 pedestrian underpass in Chelsea reopens to the public
Tulsa artist makes striking new poster featuring Will Rogers, Route 66
Longtime Tulsa residents know of William Franklin and his artistic talents. But his latest creation that's offered for sale at his Decopolis gift store is particularly notable, especially to Route 66 fans. Franklin stated in a recent Facebook post: Every once in a while ya get lucky and come up with an idea that is … Continue reading Tulsa artist makes striking new poster featuring Will Rogers, Route 66
Big Route 66 mural completed at Tulsa Welding School
A local artist recently completed a 722-square-foot, Route 66-themed mural on the side of the Tulsa Welding School along the East 11th Street alignment of Route 66. Sarah Thompson finished the mural earlier this month. It features Tulsa landmarks such as the Meadow Gold sign, Desert Hills Motel and the Oasis Motel. According to Yahoo! … Continue reading Big Route 66 mural completed at Tulsa Welding School
Google Doodle contains an artist’s tribute to Route 66
The Google Doodle on Google's homepage on Saturday will contain a commissioned work of an artist's representation of Route 66. Allison Hacker of M Booth Communications alerted us to the forthcoming Google Doodle in an email about two weeks ago: While every Doodle has a story behind it, this specific one has a 2,448-mile-long journey. … Continue reading Google Doodle contains an artist’s tribute to Route 66
Concept cars from the 1950s will be displayed at forthcoming Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque
Two concept cars conceived by a New Mexico resident during the 1950s will be on loan at the Route 66 Visitor Center on Albuquerque's west side when the facility opens later this spring. An artist's rendering of Leopold Garcia's "Bubbles Car." Leopold E. Garcia's “Bubbles Car” and “City Car" will be part of the visitors … Continue reading Concept cars from the 1950s will be displayed at forthcoming Route 66 Visitors Center in Albuquerque
Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum opens temporary shop in Shops at Mother Road Market
Tulsa's famed Gilcrease Museum has opened a temporary shop in the Shops at Mother Road Market along Route 66 as the museum itself is closed to undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation. The Curations by Gilcrease Museum shop features merchandise and art that reflects the museum's acclaimed collection, plus works by contemporary artists. The Tulsa World reports: … Continue reading Tulsa’s Gilcrease Museum opens temporary shop in Shops at Mother Road Market
Illinois tourism bureau applies for grant for Route 66 visitor center, reopening Cannonball Jail
A tourism bureau in southwest Illinois has applied for a state grant that would create a new Route 66 visitor center and reopen the Cannonball Jail in Carlinville, among other projects. According to Riverbender.com, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois applied for the grant under the state's Route 66 Grant Program administered … Continue reading Illinois tourism bureau applies for grant for Route 66 visitor center, reopening Cannonball Jail
Life-size statue of Jim Hinckley to be dedicated in Kingman on May 27
A life-size bronze statue of prominent Route 66 author and advocate Jim Hinckley will be dedicated on May 27 in downtown Kingman, Arizona. The event will be part of a block party from 3 to 10 p.m. to present a public arts project, "Kingman Tours: A Walkabout with Jim Hinckley." That day also will be … Continue reading Life-size statue of Jim Hinckley to be dedicated in Kingman on May 27