Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Artist, savant, snowbird, cartographer, hippie, preservationist, naturalist and Route 66 icon, Bob Waldmire (1945-2009), made a career from his wild, free-wheeling illustrations of Illinois, its cities and the world-famous continent-spanning highway.

Now his work is on display at the Pharmacy Art Gallery on Adams St. in downtown Springfield.

Bob’s mind-blowing art is known for its incredible detail yet counter-culture aesthetic.

He traveled Route 66 for many years capturing in minute detail the characters and places of the towns and cities he visited in his ‘land-cruiser’ which he lived out of for most of the year.

Director of Springfield Tourism, Scott Dahl, tells WTAX News Bob was part of the legendary Waldmire family of Cozy Dog fame, which may have engendered his fascination with the historic highway.

Bob’s original art as well as artifacts of his life and amazing journeys will be on display at the gallery for the entire celebration of the Route 66 centennial through December 2026