Teacher: Quinn Kirkpatrick
Artist Statement: Created by students with creative direction lead by Natalie Dill at Union high school. This piano celebrates the spirit of Route 66 and the identity of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Inspired by the colors, landmarks, wildlife, and roadside culture that define the Mother Road, the piano becomes a moving scrapbook of the places and symbols that make our city feel like home. Each side tells part of the story. The famous Route 66 shield stretches across the top beside desert landscapes and arrow motifs inspired by New Mexico roadside art. The Blue Whale references one of Route 66’s most beloved landmarks and reflects the playful, nostalgic energy of the highway itself. Our other imagery highlights the uniquely Oklahoma and Tulsa elements including our state bird, state flower, state fruit, lightning bugs, and the legendary spirit of Cain’s Ballroom. We chose bold colors like sunset orange, turquoise, neon pink, yellow, lavender, all were chosen to echo vintage roadside signs, old diners, carnival lights, and the joyful chaos of road-trip Americana. As a collaborative project, this piano represents more than a single artwork. It reflects our student's voices coming together to celebrate places, memories, music, and the community that route 66 gives us as Americans. -Natalie Dill, Union High School Art Program
