Along 89...News & Information from the US Route 89 Appreciation Society
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Issue 23
December 2009
US Route 89 Treasure Boxes

by Barbara Kemp Cowlin

Because Jim and I spent so much time traveling along US Route 89, it stands to reason that my artwork has become something of a reflection of this long highway. I've spent most of my adult life along 89, married, birthed and raised two children, worked, gone to school, taught school, and made my art practically right smack on top of US Route 89.

When I was teaching Visual Literacy, a kind of hybrid Graphic Design class, I got fascinated with signs and symbols. Road signs are the ubiquitous symbols we all see every day. We don't ignore them, because they are important to our safety, but I'm guessing I've spent more time than most ruminating about road signs.

How is it that a simple silhouette can convey so much information? Who creates these symbols? How are they tested?

Bear Crossing Box

I'm sure a bit of research would give me the answers, but I prefer to marvel at the signs and to wonder. What's the story behind the momma bear ushering her baby to safety across the road? Do I detect a gentleness in her gesture?

Curves Ahead Box

Is the symbol maker aware of the implications of this curvy arrow. Imagine the many trips with small children. This is truly the sign of impending disaster. Just be sure to have the barf bags handy.

Fire Truck Box

And here we have the intrepid firefighter. A bit difficult to see but I love his determined posture and the dignity with which he wears his firefighter hat.

Tractor Box

Here's the farmer on his tractor, slowing travel to a snails pace. It's a great chance to admire the fields with their neat rows of plants, before safely passing this machine. Note the jaunty brim on the farmers hat. I can almost imagine his satisfaction as he causes a minor traffic jam in the middle of nowhere.

US Route 89 Sign Box

The ultimate symbol, the US Route 89 road sign.

Sometimes I like to take a break from my serious paintings. I like boxes. I like road signs. So what you see are a series of boxes with road signs. I plan to make lots more, as I encounter charming signs during our travels.

If you find these irresistible, you can buy them on our website where you will find several more designs. Just head to our online store.
Happy Holidays

by James Cowlin

SnowmanBarbara and I wish you very happy holidays and a prosperous new year.

2009 has been a year of changes for us. We are now living in Oracle, Arizona, just ten miles from historic US Route 89 north of Tucson. Barbara has a big new studio where she spends as much time as possible. She completed a new series of paintings called Nooks and Crannies which were exhibited at the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix in September and October. The subject of the paintings is inconspicuous spaces in public places. You can see all of the paintings on Barbara's portfolio website. Barbara has also been actively blogging about her experiences as an artist. The article above is from her blog which is called At Last...Making Art Full-Time. Take a look. I know you'll enjoy it.

Our big road trip for the year was all the way to Canada and back. We spent most of our time in Montana which we reported on in Issues 20 and 21 of Along 89. You can access all of the back issues of the newsletter from the newsletter archive on the US Route 89 website. We have also made several shorter road trips and the results can be seen by browsing through the Road Trip Guides to see all of the new photo galleries that have been added.

Christmas TreeMembership in the US Route 89 Appreciation Society has grown significantly this year. We are especially proud of our three newest Civic Organization Members, the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway and the Page-Lake Powell Tourism Bureau. It is our goal to build a network of organizations that represent all of the diverse interests along the road. By coming together for mutual support, we will bring recognition to this unique border-to-border highway.

The US Route 89 website is attracting more visitors every month. I am particularly pleased that we are seeing people adding stories and photos to the Road Trip Guides. The most recent addition is a description of the Painted Desert between Flagstaff and Page which was added to the Scenic Drives page by Wayne Ranney. Wayne is a well-known geologist and author of several popular books on the geology and geography of the Southwest. He also wrote the introductions to the Road Trip Guides. You can follow Wayne's adventures on his blog, Earthly Musings. To keep up with changes and additions on the website, check the What's New page under the About the 89 Project menu. You can also add the announcements to your RSS reader.

GiftWe have lots of plans for the project in 2010. There are publications in the works, new products for the store and, of course, a few road trips. To make these plans come to fruition, we need your support. Consider joining the US Route 89 Appreciation Society if you are not already a member. Patronize our store on the website. Most important, take a trip on US Route 89 and let the people you meet along the way know that you heard about it from Jim and Barb Cowlin and the US Route 89 Appreciation Society.
Support the "Slow Road" Movement:
Join the US Route 89 Appreciation Society
US Route 89 Appreciation SocietyYou 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