The Unexpected Art Treasures of Winslow
By Kathryn Turney
One would not usually consider Winslow, Arizona as “off the beaten path.” The Eagles, with the popular song, “Take it Easy,” have made “the Corner” a regular stopping place for people of all ages when they explore Northern Arizona. La Posada Hotel is also a regular draw for those interested in trains, historic depots, and the history of the railroad. Route 66 runs right through the middle of town. Not quite off the beaten path… and yet it is.
Winslow has an organization called the Winslow Arts Trust (WAT), which is an association that works with local organizations to showcase the culture of Winslow and the Route 66 Corridor. WAT’s main exhibition space will be the Route 66 Art Museum, which will be located in the original Santa Fe Railroad Station at La Posada. Renovation of the station is scheduled to start this spring. There are also three affiliates (La Posada Hotel, Snowdrift Art Space and El Gran Art Garage) that work with WAT and provide exhibit space for some of the most beautiful, creative and thought-provoking art this writer has ever seen.
La Posada Hotel has over 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. Three thousand feet of this space are devoted to the artwork of Tina Mion, who is a nationally renowned artist specializing in portraiture. My favorite is her Ladies First series, which includes a mind-blowing portrait of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, recently purchased by the Smithsonian Institution. I will not reveal all here, as no verbal description will do it justice.
Snowdrift Art Space, owned by the talented and creative sculptor Dan Lutzick, is a 10,000 square foot studio/exhibition space that is one of the affiliates of WAT. Dan has many of his pieces on display at La Posada, but the majority of his work can been seen at Snowdrift. My favorite is a piece entitled The Cross of La Posada, a mixed medium piece that utilizes old La Posada room keys. Please call in advance for a tour of Snowdrift, which is only open by appointment.
The third WAT affiliate is El Gran Garage, which has 8,000 square feet of exhibition space for events and guided tours. Check the WAT website or Facebook link for the 2012 exhibition schedule and additional information about the project.
When you stop in Winslow to do the expected, visit the unexpected hidden art treasures of Winslow and the Winslow Arts Trust.
Contact: Dan Lutzick, Winslow Arts Trust, 303 E. Second Street, Winslow, Arizona 86047
928-289-4366, www.winslowartstrust.com
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