While participating in 2008 NADA MOTEL , I decided to start a coloring book. I gave away 250 prints so that participants in the show could take home a print to color.
I had a positive response to the drawings of these Motels with architecture from the 1960's back. These motels on 4th Street, which was old Highway 40 and the Lincoln Highway are reminiscent of motels that were all across the United States during the 40' 50' and 60's.
After talking with many people it was decided that I should try to get a coloring book published of these old gems before they are torn down. There are still about 20 of them in OK shape.
So, I am putting it out in the universe and figuring out ways to get money for the printing.
The Sutro Motel has a street running through what was a horseshoe shaped motel. In my drawing, I joined the building back together to show what the motel would have looked like in it's glory years.The Sutro was one of the nicest motels in Reno and now it has a street running through it. It is kind of Eire driving through what should have been a motel room. I drove down 4th street a few days ago. The top of the sign saying Sutro Motel as you are facing east is now gone, only a shell exists.
In the early 60"s my girlfriend Suzy's mother would drive all the way from Ely, Nevada to Reno to see doctors and shop. The family would stay at Everybody's Inn. She would get a taxi to drive her family around town as she didn't want to drive in the big city. ( Although she drove some 700 miles on a two lane highway to get to Reno).
One of the reasons I love these old motels besides the nostalgic architecture is the signage. These old Neon signs are so cool! At one time the wheels went round and round. The Sandman Motel has one of the most unique signs in Reno.
The Tarry Motel also has a very cool Neon sign. The T is missing on the sign and it is in need of repair. Who knows how long this sign will last. The sign was designed I believe in the 1950's
My Studio at Wildflower Village is at a renovated Motel. My room is spacious and comfortable. I love working in this old gem. Pat Campbell, the owner of this property has taken these old run down motels and turned them into studios to rent, galleries and classrooms. I feel so lucky to be part of this revitalization of Old Highway 40. You can see my studio by going through Artouring or make an appointment with me at 775-250-4568. check out more at wildflowervillage.com
NADADADA MOTEL 2009
Here are four more motels....
El Tavern Motel
Ferris Apartments
Intown Motel
Hi-Way 40 Motel
Join me in my room 221 at the El Cortez Hotel
June 18-21, 2009
All the Nada Dada artists are working away hard on their projects... Should be a really good show this year.
Even the New York Times is checking us out.
Stay tuned for updates........
The El Tavern is boarded up at the entrance and the once office is now a convince store.
I love this sign and the architecture
The Ferris Apartments still serve as apartments and is in pretty good shape. Very reminiscent of California design of the 40's around Los Angeles.
In Town Motel's architecture design was very modern for the late 50's I remember going to San Francisco in 1958 with my grandparents who managed the Town House Motor Lodge at the time. We would only stay in Best Western's. This motel looks very much like the ones we would stay in in the city.
Hi-Way 40 Motel... I love this sign! This motel looks very much like many of the motels I stayed in during our travels throughout the west during the late 50's early 60's.
