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Our new store is now open at CafePress.
Order hats, t-shirts, mugs & bumper stickers emblazoned with the 89 Logo.
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Our Supporters
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Corporate Sponsor:
Appreciation Society Business Members:
Doug Groppenbacher, CCIM, CIPS
Cultural Organization Members:
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If this issue of Along 89
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A Word From The Wife
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The Highway 89 project started as an idea in Jim's head about six years ago. Fascination by the history, geography, people and most of all, scenery along the highway was followed by research and preliminary trips along the road. Since then, our lives have been dominated by the lure of the highway. Family camping vacations, which always included photographing the beautiful areas we were visiting, were now focused on the long highway from Mexico to Canada.
When we moved to Ajo, Arizona, a year ago to begin full time work on our respective passions (the 89 project for Jim, of course, and painting and printmaking for me), it was a breakthrough time for both of us. As Jim has devoted nearly all of his waking hours to "the project" it has continued to grow in scope.
An idea has grown into a magnificent reality. I am in awe of what has been accomplished by just one person. The US Route 89 website could be a full time job for at least a half dozen people.
Recently, I was looking at the paintings I've created and realized that probably 95% of them are located guess where? Yes, along the historic Highway 89. This gives my own work a narrative that I hadn't realized it had. I can literally pinpoint where the ideas for my paintings came from on this soon-to-be-famous road.
I put 2 and 2 together and decided that I wanted to have a bigger role in the website and its development. Jim was excited by my proposal and so we have decided to combine forces. I'll still be producing my own artwork, but within the context of the US 89. We are currently brainstorming how the two of us can work on the project together. Stay posted for future developments!
The following are four of my paintings from locations along 89 from south to north.
Reed Calligraphy is part of a series of paintings from snapshots I took while we were camping at Peņa Blanca Lake, near Tubac, Arizona. This lake is in a lovely, peaceful spot. The campground was deserted (except for us). After the first night, I knew why. It was February, and the puddles on the dirt paths around us were frozen! However, once the sun came up, it was cool but not too far out of my comfort range of 75 - 95 degrees.
I was fascinated by way the reeds growing along the edges of the lake looked like crazy scribbles. They reminded me of sparklers when they were waved around in the dark, back in the day when people didn't worry about all the dangers inherent in the fun of fireworks on the 4th of July. The reflections on the still water added to the beauty I saw.
I take lots of snapshots using my digital camera. I've learned to use the amateur quality of my photography to enhance the work that I do. Back in the studio, I weed through the photos, pick the ones that appeal to my quirky sensibilities and begin painting.
My good friend Peggy is an amazing shopper. She can find the best treasures and makes every shopping spree an adventure. This painting, Old Friends Waiting for Their Wives to Finish Shopping (Again), is of our long-suffering husbands waiting outside some shops in Sedona, Arizona, for us to show up. A mixture of annoyance and amusement greeted us when we finally appeared (late as usual), laden with packages.
I liked the way the sun hit the walls and tile floors and bounced off of their shirts. Creating a likeness is always a challenge and I had fun working on capturing these two old friends. A painting this size (34" x 34") takes around a month to create, working full time.
I enjoy using a sense of humor in my work. This scene, Tourists at the Narrows, is set at the Virgin River in Zion National Park. There is an easy trail right off the road leading to a spectacular view of the river surrounded by cliffs. When we arrived at the spot, it was so peaceful. We were just beginning to paddle around in the river and hunt for pretty rocks when a busload of tourists arrived on the scene. So much for peace and quiet. They were clearly not from the West, and struck me as the quintessential tourists. Jim took a bunch of snapshots for me. I combined them and thus began a series of paintings about tourists that I have continued to work on over the years. There are bound to be more as the project progresses.
Last summer, we had a wonderful road trip way up north. I had been to Yellowstone only briefly, long ago. The weather was iffy while we were there-lots of clouds and rain. However, this didn't stop either of us from enjoying the place. In fact, the combination of clouds, fog and the steam from geysers created an eerie landscape. While Jim took advantage of this and produced some spectacular photographs, I proceeded to take lots of digital snapshots. I loved the way the water, sky and land created patterns of color. I've always had a thing for the yellow stripes contrasted with grey roadways. So I included the famous 89 into this Yellowstone Triptych.
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Support the "Slow Road" Movement:
Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society
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 You love driving the two-lane highways that keep you close to the edge of the road so you can see the land at a leisurely pace. You think nothing of stopping along the way to admire the view and smell the fresh air. You seek out unique places to eat where the special of the day depends on what's in season at the nearby farm. You already appreciate the opportunities offered by a journey on US Route 89.
You are not alone in your passion for a trip on a "slow road." There are many others like you. Together we can spread the word of the joys of leisurely travel. Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society and you'll receive an official membership certificate and button to attest to your belief in the "slow road" movement.
General Membership: $5
Benefits:
· Membership Certificate
· Membership Badge
· Email Newsletter
· Invitations to all project events
Download the Membership Brochure in pdf format |
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