A Route 66 Missouri gift idea waiting for you…
Viva Cuba, the beautification group that commissioned Cuba’s murals, had long been wanting a piece of artwork with a Christmas scene. It didn’t seem right for a full-time mural. They discussed alternatives with Missouri artist Ray Harvey who was known for such scenes. Harvey had previously painted the Bette Davis and Phillips 66 murals for Viva Cuba. After about three years of discussion and several months of preparation, the print titled Christmas Over Route 66 Cuba, Missouri was introduced at Cuba Fest 2012, and it enjoyed brisk sales. Artist Harvey was at Cuba Fest to sign prints and talk to people as he also put on a carving demonstration of some whimsical pumpkins. This particular artwork is a $20 print that is available to all Cubans, past and present. It will fit in a stock 18 X 24 frame, so it doesn’t require custom framing. Viva Cuba is happy to offer this print that is accessible to all Cubans on a more personal level than a mural would be.
The Process:
1. Harvey met with Viva Cuba several times about how much could be included (not nearly as much as they wanted.
Harvey spent several sessions working out the details with Viva Cuba members.
2. Local pilot Don McGinnis flew Harvey over Cuba for a “birds eye view.”
A bird’s eye view of Cuba showing W. Washington/Route 66.
3. Harvey photographed landmarks from the ground.
Harvey photographing the vintage Route 66 station in Cuba, MO. The station has been at the corner since the 1930s.
4. Harvey painted and tweaked details for Viva Cuba members. The painting was delivered.
The original painting was delivered. It will be on display in People’s Bank prior to Christmas. Note how Harvey could provide the mini-murals in the print. The Frisco train 1522 chugs by in the background. The water tower with its crown of lights from the 60s glow in their detail.
5. The digital image was made from the painting to create the prints. They can be purchased for $20 at the Hwy. 19 Peoples Bank or Spirals Gallery. At this time, a limited number of signed copies are available. Or you can go online to order the print for a small $7.00 shipping fee for domestic orders. The prints are shipped in a cardboard shipping tube.
The print will be fit in a stock 18 X 24 frame or you can have it customed framed to fit your decor and tastes.
6. The print was introduced at Cuba Fest 2012 to brisk sales. Artist Ray Harvey was available to sign prints and meet with those interested in the print. Could that be…
Santa dropped by to discuss the print with the artist. He had a rare weekend off before gearing up for the Christmas season. Santa approved and bought some prints for the elves and reindeer. Even they like to get Christmas gifts.
With its Christmas over Route 66 Cuba, Missouri print, Cuba continues its reputation as a small town with big ideas.
For more information on the artist, visit www.rayharveyart.com.
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