Local artist involved in Route 66 project

By Shari Harris, Publisher

Area artist Patty Burmeister has joined other artists this spring to collaborate on painting a tribute to The Mother Road, Route 66, in Rolla. Seven artists are involved in the project, and murals are being painted along a wall for each of the eight states through which Route 66 travels. Burmeister’s mural will be Arizona, and she joins artists Lynn Slawson, Chuck Roling, Kent Bagnall, Mary Oliver-Hall, Jan Roberts and Adam Nisbett in creating the murals.

The initial piece of artwork was the front end of a 1957 Chevy protruding from the west end of the wall. The north-facing portion of the wall, around 120 feet in length, is where the Route 66 murals are being painted. Progress on the murals is ongoing, and artists invite you to drive or walk by to see their work. The west facing side of the wall, 80 feet in length, is reserved for a mural project next year dedicated to Rolla.

The project involved preparation, and four tons of rock were necessary to reduce condensation from forming on the wall. The wall also had to be primed before the artists could go to work, and a sidewalk was built along the location to allow better access to viewing the murals.

Jim Larson is credited with being the main motivator for the project (including fundraising efforts) and as the artistic director, including mounting the car at the end.

The wall fronts a parking lot, and Kevin Bramlett, General Manager of Sirloin Stockade (which owns the wall), received clearance from the company for the project to proceed. Others in the community have also assisted in the project, including Tim Curtis Painting; Rachel Gott, USA Tours; Rolla Chamber of Commerce; Sherwin Williams; and many more.

The artists plan to have the work complete before the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration in Springfield, Mo., the Birthplace of Route 66, which is being held April 30-May 3, 2026. The event kicks off national celebrations of the centennial anniversary of the historic route, and promises to be a “showcase of American music, hometown pride, and the open-road spirit that made Route 66 an icon of freedom and adventure.”

Rolla will also celebrate The Mother Road’s 100th during their Route 66 Summerfest, which will be expanded to four days this year and will be held the first weekend in June.

Photos by Shari Harris