SPRINGFIELD, MO - Route 66 is more than just a highway—it's the heartbeat of Springfield, a historic route that helped shape the city's culture and identity.

Today, Heidi Herrman-Bacon, Director of the Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series, in collaboration with Visit Springfield, is proud to officially launch the Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series, a bold new public art initiative. This citywide sculpture experience will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this iconic American road and serve as a creative centerpiece for Springfield's year-long celebration of Route 66.

The series will coincide with the National Route 66 Kickoff Event in Springfield, set for April 30, 2026, and will bring together local artists and the community to create a vibrant, artistic tribute to the legacy of Route 66. This initiative marks the beginning of Springfield's next chapter as the birthplace of Route 66, engaging both locals and visitors with an imaginative new way to experience the city. 

The Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series reimagines the spirit of the open road, infusing it with creativity, community pride, and a strong sense of place. Each sculpture—designed by local artists—will serve as a beacon of storytelling and self-expression, forming a colorful, contemporary mosaic that reflects Springfield's diversity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.

“These sculptures won't be literal mosaics, but a visual narrative of Springfield's unique character,” said Heidi Herrman-Bacon, Director of the Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series. “By traveling from one sculpture to the next, visitors will experience Springfield in a new and engaging way—much like the journey along Route 66 itself.”

Only 66 sculptures will be produced, making this a rare opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The Artist-decorated sculptures will be installed throughout key locations in Springfield, inviting both locals and visitors to rediscover the city through a fresh cultural lens—deepening its identity as the official birthplace of Route 66.

“The Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series is a dynamic initiative that brings Route 66's legacy to life through art,” said Mark Hecquet, President and CEO of Visit Springfield. “These sculptures celebrate Springfield as the birthplace of Route 66, enhancing the Route 66 experience, fostering community pride, and encouraging both residents and visitors to explore not just the sculptures, but all that Springfield has to offer.”

Whether you're a Springfield native or a traveler passing through, the Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series offers a creative adventure that celebrates the legacy of the Mother Road while highlighting the city's thriving and ever-growing arts scene.

About The Project Team

The Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series is led by Heidi Herrman-Bacon, amultidisciplinary artist, fashion designer, and public art advocate. The project is being developed in collaboration with Visit Springfield, the official destination marketing organization for Springfield, which leads the city's tourism efforts. It also involves expert partners in sculpture design and fabrication.

Heidi is also the Co-Founder and Director of C-Art, an organization committed to providing artistic opportunities in the Historic Commercial Street District. C-Art creates dynamic exhibition and performance spaces for contemporary artists and musicians, helping to establish Springfield as a growing regional arts destination.

The Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series will transform Springfield's landscape through collaboration, creativity, and civic pride, celebrating the intersection of art, history, and community along America's most iconic highway. Learn more at https://springfield66.com/

For media information, please contact:

Heidi Herrman-Bacon
Director, Springfield 66–Centennial Sculpture Series
Email: heidiherrmanartist@gmail.com
Phone: 347-423-3010

 
About Visit Springfield, Missouri
Visit Springfield, Missouri is the official destination marketing organization for Greene, Christian and Polk counties in southwest Missouri. Dedicated to boosting the local economy, the organization drives tourism and group business—bringing in leisure travelers, conventions, meetings and sporting events—through innovative marketing initiatives. Visit springfieldmo.org to learn more.