See Springfield 66 Centennial Sculptures During Show-Me Neighborhood Art Month

 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. --The Springfield 66 Centennial Sculpture Series is a community-wide public art initiative created to celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of Route 66 while strengthening community identity, civic pride, and neighborhood connection across Springfield and the surrounding area.

Organized by local artist and community leader Heidi Herrman-Bacon, the project brings together artists, businesses, nonprofits, tourism organizations, and public spaces to transform Springfield into an open-air gallery centered around the history and culture of America’s most iconic highway. What began as an idea to honor the birthplace and legacy of Route 66 quickly evolved into a collaborative citywide effort involving 16 large-scale shield sculptures installed throughout Springfield and Strafford.

Each sculpture tells a different story connected to Route 66, Springfield history, travel, culture, sports, agriculture, transportation, or community identity. Together, the collection encourages residents and visitors to explore neighborhoods, discover local businesses, experience public spaces, and engage with art in accessible and meaningful ways.

The project includes the following artists and installations:

• “A Century Begins Here” by Janelle Patterson
Located at Park Central East near the fountain on Park Central Square, Springfield.

• “The Cardinal Spirit” by Madeline Curtis
Located at Hammons Field, 955 E. Trafficway Street, Springfield.

• “The Frisco” by Linda Passeri
Located on Commercial Street near the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, 321 E. Commercial Street, Springfield.

• “Preserving the Passion” by Jeff Kesinger
Located at Best Western Coach House, 2535 N. Glenstone Avenue, Springfield.

• “Quiet Currents & City Lights” by Emily Million
Located at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds Gate 4, West Hall Expo Center, 3001 N. Grant Avenue, Springfield.

• “Rerouted: From Mother Road to Motherboard” by Yves “Hu” Jerome
Located at the Frisco Highline Trail Trailhead, 3845 W. Kearney Street, Springfield.

• “Welcome to Springfield” by Linda Passeri
Located at Springfield-Branson National Airport, 2300 N. Airport Boulevard, Springfield.

• “Game On, Springfield” by Janelle Patterson
Located at Betty & Bobby Allison Sports Town, 209 Airport Boulevard, Springfield.

• “Intersecting Journeys” by Emily Million
Located at the entrance to Springfield Underground, 2019 Le Compte Road, Springfield.

• “Hope The High Road” by Gentry Amstutz
Located near the east side parking lot of TransLand Trucking, 1601 W. Old Route 66, Strafford.

• “Into The Sunset” by Randy Clute
Located near Scenic Avenue and West College Street in front of Firefly Business, 2626 W. College Road, Springfield.

• “Pasture Raised on the Mother Road” by Meg Wagler
Located at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, west side of the central landscaped area, 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield.

• “Buzz of the Mother Road” by Emily Schmidt
Located near the storm drain in front of the Springfield Art Museum at Bennett Drive and Brookside Drive, Springfield.

• “Night Riders of the Mother Road” by Kaycie Surrell
Located along Galloway Creek Greenway, 2896 S. Lone Pine Avenue, Springfield.

• “Wings of Route 66” by Cory Leick
Located in front of Family Flowers, 1147 S. Glenstone Avenue, Springfield.

• “Weathered but not Forgotten” by Emily Schmidt
Located at Rail Haven near Queensgate, 203 S. Glenstone Avenue, Springfield.

This project demonstrates the power of public art to create belonging and strengthen neighborhoods. The sculptures invite people to slow down, explore their community, and interact with spaces they may otherwise overlook. By spreading installations throughout multiple districts and neighborhoods, the project encourages movement throughout the city and helps connect residents to local stories, businesses, parks, trails, and gathering spaces.

The Springfield 66 Centennial Sculpture Series also highlights the importance of partnerships in successful placemaking efforts. Sponsors, tourism organizations, city leaders, artists, businesses, and volunteers all contributed to bringing the project to life. The initiative reflects how art can serve as civic infrastructure — creating opportunities for conversation, exploration, shared identity, and community pride.

In a time when many people feel disconnected from one another and from place, projects like this help foster curiosity, engagement, and belonging. The sculptures become more than art pieces; they become landmarks of memory and connection that encourage residents and visitors alike to experience Springfield in a new way.

Additional information about the project can be found at:
https://springfield66.com

WRITTEN BY

David L. Burton

For more information, visit the Engaged Neighbor website. Take our pledge and become part of a movement! Or subscribe to our newsletter. Access some of the research documents written by David Burton, the author of this blog. Or better yet, purchase one of his books off Amazon. Contact David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.