Craig Winslow: Light Artist creator of Route 66 Centennial Light Capsules

7/3/2025
Interview by Route 66 Centennial Staff

Artist and designer Craig Winslow uses a technique called "Projection Mapping" to bring faded iconic ghost signs found along Route 66 "back to life." This vibrant, celebratory revival of the Road's glorious history is a fitting experiential celebration of the Route 66 Centennial. His "Light Capsules..." are art Installations that offer a portal through time to experience the vibrant glory of a faded past. Think "Time Capsule" using light.

Q: What is your relationship with Route 66?

Growing up in the tightly packed New England coastal towns, I developed a fascination with Route 66, known as "the Mother Road." I always wanted to see it firsthand, to understand the Americana that surrounded it truly. The impact the highway bypasses had on smaller towns was especially fascinating to me.

When I began my "Light Capsules" project, which focuses on bringing forgotten businesses and faded advertisements back to life, I immediately knew Route 66 would be a unique canvas. It's a landscape of lost and overlooked treasures, things I hope to revive and let shine again.

Q: What does Route 66 mean to you?

For me, Route 66 is the freedom of the open road, the vibrant glow of neon, and lingering sunsets. It's about discoveries, exploration, and personal stories, as well as encountering locals eager to share their passions and the historical gems of their towns. I'm drawn to the simplicity of Route 66; my thoughts aren't of bustling cities or massive attractions, but rather the humble roadside attractions and the allure of quirky, passionate projects. These are things born simply from someone's dream, and that authentic feeling of witnessing a personal vision come to life, that's what Route 66 truly means to me.

When picturing a drive along Route 66, I think of it less as a commute to a specific destination and more as the journey itself. It's about driving slowly, savoring the experience, and being thrilled to stop at anything intriguing along the way – a curious sight, a vintage drive-in, or a classic gas station – to appreciate things from a more relaxed viewpoint.

Q: How will you celebrate 100 years of Route 66?

To celebrate the Route 66 Centennial, I plan on illuminating its forgotten history by reviving the best ghost signs and faded ads along the route into temporary and permanent light installations. These nighttime artworks aim to encourage visitors to stop, dine, and stay overnight in smaller towns surrounding the installations, rather than just driving through. What is truly special to me are these faded stories and the opportunity to learn about and celebrate them, allowing old and new generations to appreciate what has been lost and to spark conversations about what the next hundred years might hold for the road.

Q: When did your passion for Route 66 begin?

Route 66 was just a vague notion of Americana for me, a magical place with old cars and buzzing neon. Honestly, it was Pixar's "Cars" that truly sparked my awareness. The film's personalities and behind-the-scenes research revealed the genuine, vibrant importance of Route 66: The people who reside along the road and their stories. I also love how this continuous road weaves through multiple states, each with its unique flavor, flair, and local persona.

I've driven segments of the route since then, both for personal enjoyment and to document and catalog the fading ads and signs. During an Oklahoma scouting trip, where I drove across the entirety of Route 66, I fell in love with the diverse Main Street communities and historic stretches. The people I met along the way were welcoming and eager to share their personal stories and the town’s rich history. This only fueled my hunger to continue exploring, leading me next to Illinois. My goal is to scout the entire route and install lighting that celebrates history in the lesser-known towns along the Mother Road.

Q: Do you have a favorite location on Route 66?

I met the remarkable Harley Russell in Erick, a small town in western Oklahoma, when I was compelled to enter his store, Sandhills Curiosity Shop, based on the collection of vintage enamel signs adorning the red brick building with a faded “CITY MEAT MARKET” ghost sign prominently displayed above the awning. I enjoyed a wonderful conversation about my passion for vintage signs, and he invited my partner and me to his home, located behind the shop, to see his extensive collection of large signs displayed around his lawn. We learned of the passing of his wife, Annabelle, which left a palpable void in the life they'd built together. He showed us a photo of the two of them sitting outside the store doors, smiling, with him proudly holding his guitar on his knee. A beautiful moment caught in time. Despite this, he enthusiastically welcomed us, even taking a photo of us having one of his oldest Route 66 signs in front of his shop. I think we saw a bit of ourselves - that passion and love for collecting and creating - in Harley and the life he built there with Annabelle.

It's these personal encounters along Route 66 that make it so extraordinary. While many locations along the route stand out, this meeting remains a crucial memory for my wife and me.

Q: What is your hope for Route 66 during the next 100 years?

I hope Route 66 becomes a sanctuary for embracing a slower pace, savoring life, and simply exploring the open road amid the increasing complexity, speed, and efficiency that are pushed upon us. Let people view these smaller towns as chances for alternative lifestyles, bringing their passions back to communities that thrive on shared excitement.

Route 66 evokes a quintessential aesthetic, often centered on 50s diners, classic cars, and vibrant neon. It’s interesting to imagine how this evolves over the next century.

Learn more about Winslow Studio, Light Capsules project

Photo Credits: Jessica Zollman Winslow, Winslow Studio, 2022.