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Art: A Cuba MO Tradition to Treasure
Art has a long-standing tradition in Cuba, Missouri. Thanks to Viva Cuba, this beautification team of volunteers continuously looks for ways to improve the landscape and public spaces.
Well, they did it again. This time, at the corner of Franklin and Washington Street, still known as Route 66, a small art installation unfolds.
However, the logistics to make it happen took much longer. Thanks to the patience and persistence of Viva Cuba, the MODOT Control Boxes at the intersection are a sight to behold.
So, after almost two years and a pandemic, the MODOT Control Boxes finally came to fruition. The orchestration for such an art project was a challenge. However, it presented an opportunity to create new relationships with MO DOT. The good news, Viva Cuba will be ready for the next project, big or small.
The Newest
The newest art project at the Route 66 intersection is a series of shiny fenders, handlebars, and headlights from vintage cars and motorcycles. Artist, Ray Harvey, known for his larger-than-life murals, captures the essence of the Mother Road in a way only he can. His eye for detail and his love for classic cars combine for a fun collage of vehicles one might encounter on a drive down Route 66. Mr. Harvey has been a freelance illustrator and muralist since 1986. He has created over 500 public, residential, commercial, and industrial murals in the Midwest region.
The Oldest
Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a National Highway in 1985. However, since that time, the highway still attracts thousands of travelers who want to experience the Mother Road. Once the original road was replaced by Interstate 40, members of the public, private organizations, and local, state, and Federal agencies rallied to preserve and commemorate the historic highway.
As part of the effort, many historic sites along Route 66 have been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, including the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba. For those who seek that adventure, a stop in Cuba could be a great place to get acquainted with the history of the Mother Road.
If you haven’t seen the newest art installation, this is a great time to visit. And we want you to help us name our newest project! Yep, that’s right – we are running a contest to NAME THE NEW ARTWORK on the MODOT control boxes.
We want to hear your ideas – and the winner will receive an official Cuba MO Mural Sweatshirt.
Email your submissions to: vivacuba@cubamomurals.com.
In fact, Cuba Fest, an annual celebration in Cuba, will be back on Saturday, October 16, 2021. The event includes FREE Trolley Tours to all the murals. Be sure to stop by the Viva Cuba booth at the event. Submit […]
THE MURALS OF CUBA, MISSOURI
WHAT IS VIVA CUBA?
In 1984, Viva Cuba, Inc. organized with the goal of beautifying Cuba to attract new industries and jobs. Many groups and individuals worked together in the early days to landscape Highway 19 and make it a more attractive entrance to Cuba.
In 1987, Viva Cuba became the first Adopt-A-Highway site in the state Over the years, planting continued, cleanup projects went forward, banners took their places in the community, and in the ’90s the Viva Cuba Garden, which has been enhanced, became a part of the four-way Hwy. 19 and Route 66 intersection. These efforts continue with maintenance and further improvements.
In 2001, Viva Cuba implemented a major project of commissioning 12 outdoor murals by Cuba’s 150th anniversary in 2007. Organizations and individuals supported Viva Cuba’s efforts and helped the organization reach its goal. Today Viva Cuba maintains 14 murals and Cuba is known as “Route 66 Mural City”. Since 2012, Cuba has been a Tree City USA Community.
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