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The Standin’ on The Corner Foundation has found financial support for the restoration of its iconic mural located at Second Street and Kinsley Avenue in Winslow through the Route 66 Association of Arizona. The foundation has been fundraising for several years to refurbish the mural, created by world renowned artist John Pugh, which is the backdrop for the famous Standin’ on the Corner Park.
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The mural, which initially cost the foundation $20,000, has seen its share of hardships in the years since its inception. In 2004, the building it was attached to burned. The wall was saved and reinforced, but the mural was compromised due to the heat of the fire.
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Foundation member Dr. Greg Hackler recently wrote a letter to the association asking the group for help in raising funds for the project. In Hackler’s letter, he wrote, “We attempted to refurbish the paint by hiring a specialist, at the recommendation of the artist, to brighten and rejuvenate the paint.”
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Following the refreshment of the paint it was discovered more work needed to be done. Hackler wrote, “We realized that we had to have the artist come and repaint the panels, at yet another expense. It was not long after that we discovered we needed to attach the mounting boards more securely to the wall and drilled through the 18-inch concrete wall to secure the marine mounting boards.”
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All of the attempts to breathe life back into the mural have been expensive. The foundation has been holding raffles and various fundraisers to satisfy the $30,000 goal needed to complete the project.
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Hackler said, “John Pugh is using a new mural method, using non-woven paintable material to adhere to aluminum composite board. The upper windows have already been completed and we are waiting for a time that he can return and complete the lower four windows and lentils. Our fund-raising goal was $30,000. To date we have paid $17,468.50 for Phase 1 and the commencement of lower windows of Phase 2.” The foundation has also been paying for airfare and room and board for Pugh.
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The Route 66 Association of Arizona, granted Hackler’s request and wrote the foundation a check for $10,000.
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Foundation member Sabrina Butler said, “This met our goal and now we will be able to refurbish the mural how it needs to be done so that it will last for years to come. It is a major part of our park, and one of the reasons so many people stop to have their picture taken here. It won’t be done in time for the festival this year, but it will be done soon and for that we are very grateful to the Route 66 Association.”
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