The Winslow City Council was presented with a proposal from the Arts Council to move ahead with a long discussed project. The Art Car Project began as an idea based on multiple art parades in various US cities.
Arts Council Recording Secretary Roberta Cano said of the art parades, “It is a nationwide public art exhibit that has been featured in towns and major cities. Fiberglass sculptures of various animals and objects are decorated by local artists, and distributed over the city, in public places such as train stations, important avenues, and parks. They often feature artwork and designs specific to local culture, as well as city life and other relevant themes.”
During the presentation, Arts Council member Cheri Russell explained, “The Art Car Project is the idea of us hosting cars, decorative, artistic, life sized cars to businesses and organizations. This will not only bring attraction to their storefront, but to the city and our community.”
The idea is for the installation to feature cars that reflect the Route 66 influence in Winslow. According to the Arts Council Chairman Todd Roth, “It’s a cultural tourism attraction. This project is relevant because Winslow is identified with Route 66 and Route 66 is synonymous with cars.”
The next Arts Council member to speak was Winslow Junior High School art instructor Christa Knox. Knox furthered the discussion by explaining that the project will require little to no cost to the city or taxpayers. “The initial cost goes down to almost nothing, we will have cars donated. This allows for more businesses to jump in and participate.” Roth added, “This project is self sustaining, and we won’t be asking for money.”
Cano also presented a PowerPoint slideshow, outlining the intent and execution plans for the project. The slide show noted, “Researching the project concluded that fiberglass objects can cost $5,000 or more,” which is not a feasible amount for Winslow businesses. Presenting a solution to this, the Arts Council will take it upon themselves to have classic cars donated to the project.
“We begin by obtaining a classic car, or an outer shell of a classic car that would be modified for the safety of the public and prepped to become an art installation,” Cano stated. Also in the slideshow it stated, “The car would be sponsored by a business, agency, or organization, who would decide on the artwork to be created and the location of the car on their property.”
Finally Cano said, “the car would be featured on a map that includes the location of the cars as well as sponsorship information. Maps would be available at downtown businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall. The overall goal is to enhance and promote the entire city as a tourist destination.”
Roth also mentioned that certain city ordinances pertaining to abandoned cars would have to be amended to allow the static cars. “Right now, we have some kind of a code that says if you leave your car sitting, and the tires go flat, you will be towed. The code will have to have a classification of art cars, defined specifically.” To that Knox added the intention of the Arts Council to develop a system of endorsing cars as art that will be used universally. City officials agreed with that need and asked staff to research what needs to be done to change certain codes.
The council voted unanimously to move forward with the project, with Councilman Thomas Chacon Sr. saying, “It’s a great idea that is not being pursued in Winslow.”
“We have a huge opportunity to capitalize on what we have and promote Route 66, and we are ready to go,” Cano concluded, “businesses are going to want to be involved with this.”
