Fall 1999 Newsletter page 4

Artist’s Passion is Route 66

Jane Mabry is an artist of renown. At one time Jane was a staff artist for the Department of the Interior, which provided landscapes of National Parks for foreign embassies, government buildings and congressional offices. "I was the only one of four staff artists who had ever been west of the mississippi." One of her assignments was a 6 x 12 foot painting of the Grand Canyon. Another favorite of the department was one that pictured "Old Faithful" in Yellowstone National Park. Many of her western scenes grace public buildings in Washington, D.C.

In 1997 Jane was honored by New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson with an award The Certificate of a Lifetime of Excellence in the Arts for her dedication to the arts and outstanding service beyond the call of duty to New Mexico. She is most proud of her active role in spearheading the drive to create a State Arts Commission, only second in the West.

Route 66 is Jane’s latest passion. Her interest in Route 66 stems from her memories that it was the only way that countless tourists passed through our New Mexico "enchanted lands" from east to west. As tourists explored and experienced the desert and its variety of prairie wildlife, their western adventure across Route 66 became an impression that lasted a lifetime. Travelers lingered along the wayside in awe of the clear blue skies that beautifully displayed a fifty-mile panorama. Jane has created a print of an original oil painting of the roadbed in the Grants area that forever preserves the highway’s charm. This painting makes a dramatic statement with its geological formations in the background.

Jane’s print can be obtained by contacting Jane Mabry at 1238 Alvarado NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110. The cost is $20, plus $4 for handling and postage.

Local Historic Route 66 Brochures Progress

Tucumcari, Santa Rosa and Grants local brochures and maps for Historic Route 66 have all been completed. Up and coming this fall are Moriarty, Los Lunas, Bernalillo and a reprint of Albuquerque (all have completed design work and are headed to the press). Contact the local chamber for your copy. We'd recommend a donation upon request. We've seen the final designs and all of these are keepers for you collectors! The brochures were funded through the New Mexico Economic Development Department's State Scenic Byway grants under Elmo Baca, and supported by the Association and its affiliated Chamber and Visitor Bureau members.

The New Mexico statewide Historic Route 66 cultural and heritage brochure and map, which links the local brochures and the New Mexico Route 66 web site together, should begin production this winter.

Call For Historic Route 66 New Mexico Photos

The public photo archives are sparse when it comes to New Mexico's Historic Route 66. Snapshots and family photos along our remaining portions of the highway are sorely needed. Please donate them to our archives. Give us a call at (505) 832-4087.

  75th Anniversary Updates

  • July 20, 21, 22, 2001 National Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Albuquerque.
  • New Mexico Department of Tourism dedicating the 2001 New Mexico Vacation Guide to Historic Route 66. (1.3 million circulation in 1998).
  • The Office of Cultural Affairs' Annual 2001 New Mexico Photographic Calendar will be dedicated to Historic Route 66.
  • The National Historic Route 66 Federation will hold its annual Steinbeck awards dinner during the Diamond Jubilee in Albuquerque.
  • Good Morning America is considering a week long road trip through the eight states of Historic Route 66 in July 2001.
  • Good Morning New Mexico is considering a week long road trip in July 2001, and will visit cities of New Mexico's Historic Route 66.
  • KNME, PBS Channel 5, is considering a Colores program on Historic Route 66 New Mexico sometime during 2001.
  • David Dunaway of National Public Radio will be undertaking a four-part radio show and accompanying book on the impact of Historic Route 66 for the year 2001.
  • Educational CD-Rom of Historic Route 66 New Mexico will be distributed.
  • Historic postcard collection, both national and state of New Mexico, will be displayed.

Let us know your organization or community’s Route 66 75th Anniversary plans and we'll include them in the next newsletter! New Mexico Historic Route 66 CD-Rom Completed

Albuquerque’s uNICA! Marketing & Design has completed production of a CD-Rom featuring New Mexico's Historic Route 66. Under contract with New Mexico Economic Development Department and using state Scenic Byway funds, the production includes both historic and contemporary footage, pictures and postcards. Norma Ruiz, owner of uNICA! (246-0378 or www.unica-adv.com), stated that the project “is geared to a new generation of computer savvy road enthusiasts.” The disc will contain introductions in four languages to appeal to the international market, because many enthusiasts from other countries have adopted Historic Route 66 as their own. "We are going to bring the world to a virtual tour of New Mexico Route 66," stated Ruiz.

The disc contains a wide selection of music, interviews, road contacts, historic video, and provides a real sense of traveling the road. The CD-Rom serves a dual purpose: to educate about and interpret the roadway as well as serve as a potential marketing tool for cultural and heritage tourism. The CD-Rom is not for sale but is being distributed by the New Mexico Route 66 Association to schools and public libraries, Chambers of Commerce, Visitors Bureaus and Tourism Associations. Watch for more information in our next newsletter!

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