2024 Route 66 Art Trail in Downtown Bloomington

Art Trail continues Saturday, July 13th!

Get your art fix on historic Route 66 at 18 participating art studios, galleries, and museums this July!

WHO: Anyone of any age interested in art

WHAT: Can visit 18 art galleries, studios, and museums for FREE

WHEN: Throughout the month of July

WHERE: Along historic Route 66 in Bloomington-Normal

WHY: To promote the vibrant local art scene

The Route 66 Art Trail has 18 brick-and-mortar stops throughout Bloomington-Normal featuring the work of over 100 local artists. Each stop on the Trail is participating in this free, inclusive, accessible art education and appreciation initiative for all ages.

Look for the white Art Trail on Route 66 flags at each location, thanks to funding provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

This initiative has been created and coordinated by the grassroots organization BN Artists which is composed of artists, small businesses, and museums. Questions? Email us at bnartscene@gmail.com.

Click here to explore the interactive map.

Participating Locations:

1. 410 Sculpture Park
a. 410 S. Madison St.
b. Visit the 410 Sculpture Park beneath the Main Street bridge for a variety of large-scale art pieces made from discarded metal machinery, a concrete lady, a concrete “whale of a tail,” a bronze by Herb Eaton, and even a dinosaur!
c. Hours: 24/7/365

2. Art Vortex Studio
a. 101 W. Monroe St., Suite 210
b. Contemplate landscapes “painted with paper” by collage artist Janean Baird and a selection of art by guest artist Angel Ambrose (on July 13, 20, and 27).
c. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (July 6, 13, and 20) and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (July 27)

3. Mandy Roeing Fine Art Studio and Gallery
a. 105-A W. Monroe St.
b. The 2nd Annual Student Exhibition, Creating in Community, will open on July 5 and run through July 27. Students included in this show have studied drawing and/or pastel painting with Mandy Roeing, local artist and owner of the gallery.
c. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (July 6 and 20) and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (July 27)

4. Inside Out: Accessible Art
a. 200 W. Monroe St.
b. View new art, visit the new side gallery themed Coming Together: A Time of Celebration, and make a free beaded pen during First Friday from 5-8 p.m. Art adventures continue at Inside Out on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon during Art @ the Market on July 6 and 20, and Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales on July 13.
c. Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

5. Illinois Art Station
a. 101 E. Vernon Ave., Normal, Illinois
b. Visit IAS on Saturdays for Saturdays at the Station and enjoy a FREE Fourth Saturday on July 27. Visits to view IAS’s gallery space are always FREE to the public.
c. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Saturday, July 13.

6. The Hangar Art Company
a. 105 W. Jefferson St.
b. The Hangar Art Company features local and regional artwork.
c. Hours: Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

7. The House on Garling
a. 1905 Garling Dr.
b. Tom Kirk’s home is a fantastical world built with boulders, discarded machinery, and scrap parts. Home tours are available by chance.
c. Tom will be hosting an open house on Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8. Main Gallery 404
a. 404 N. Main St.
b. Main Gallery 404 spotlights original works by many talented local and regional artists in various media.
c. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday-Friday Noon to 5 p.m.

9. McLean County Museum of History & the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center
a. 200 N. Main St.
b. Visit the Crusin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop, located on the ground level of the nationally accredited McLean County Museum of History, which features a variety of local and Route 66 specific art from Herb Eaton, John Miller, and more!
c. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

10. McLean County Arts Center
a. 601 N. East St.
b. Route 66, a juried, national call, art exhibition to celebrate the rich and complex history of one of America’s original highways debuts on Friday, July 5 and will be on display through August 24, 2024. Opening reception Friday, July 12 from 5-7 p.m.
c. Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m.

11. Ryburn Place at Sprague’s Super Service
a. 305 Pine St., Normal, Illinois
b. Terri Ryburn has opened a gift shop in the building which features Route 66, vintage, collectibles, and local artists.
c. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

12. The Painted Wraith Curiosity Shoppe
a. 106 W. Monroe St.
b. A strange and unusual curiosity shop with original art from local artists. You never know what you may find, the stock is ever changing.
c. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, 11a.m. to 6 p.m.

13. Threshold To Hope
a. 200 W. Monroe St.
b. A Children’s Art Show will be held at Threshold To Hope during First Friday July 5 and continuing on Saturday, July 6. A viewer’s choice award will be given with votes cast by pennies that will then be used to help fund the Saturday Children’s Program.
c. Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.