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Recoloring Route 66 With Artist And Entrepreneur, Darryl Willison

5/31/2018

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Artist and shop owner, Darryl Willison, at the Merc 66 in Albuquerque, NM

Creating Art For The Love Of Route 66

 albuquerque artist Darryl Willison at Merc 66

Darryl Willison is arguably one of Albuquerque's most recognizable artists. His career, spanning over twenty years in New Mexico, has produced a signature style and his work can be seen in galleries, museums and restaurants all over town and even in the White House.

Once known for his two dimensional art; cowboy themed paintings, pastels, and colored pencil creations, Darryl's work has evolved to meet the demands of a changing marketplace and he now specializes in steel sculpture - which he creates with a plasma cutter and describes as "drawing with fire", and in creating designs for gift items such as tee-shirts, coasters, wall art, and bumper stickers. All of his designs are original and still drawn by hand. 

Currently, my favorite Darryl Willison art pieces are these absolutely fantastic saw sculptures.​

Darryl Willison Raven Saw Sculptures
Photo used with permission from www.whimsicalwest.com

Holding On To The History

Darryl is the director of merchandising for the New Mexico Route 66 Association and his lifelong love of Route 66 shines through in his work.
The Mother Road Route 66
When asked about his fascination with The Mother Road, Darryl says:
"Route 66 is steeped in the rich history of this country and represents the heart and backbone of the people who live here. Families would get in the vehicle and enjoy the landscape without the distraction of electronics. You enjoyed the ride because the road was the destination. As the older generation passes away, it's like a library burning to the ground and this history is something we can't afford to lose."

Bringing History Back To Life

El Vado Motel. Route 66. Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque's Central Ave. is a living and breathing stretch of historic Route 66 and New Mexico hosts the longest stretch of Route 66 in the country.
Along this main drag are numerous roadside motor lodges, many built in the 1930's that have since fallen into various states of disrepair, some have even been abandoned and become derelict. 
​When it was built in 1937, the El Vado Motel was one of New Mexico's first motels to greet Route 66 travelers. In more recent times, it had been rundown and was considered an eyesore and all around dangerous place to be (though I believe it made an appearance in an episode of Breaking Bad)
Fortunately, the El Vado was rescued by the city and in 2017 it was renovated into a beautiful commercial space hosting many shops and restaurants as well as a boutique motel for those who want to spend a night on The Mother Road. 
I wish I had photographed the El Vado prior to it's renovation, just to show the before and after. What I remember was a boarded up motor lodge in a lot overgrown with weeds and enclosed by a razor wire chain link fence. Needless to say, the transformation has been incredible.

El Vado Motel on Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Merc 66 In The Newly Renovated El Vado Motel

Merc 66 in the El Vado Motel on Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Never content to sit quietly behind the scenes, Darryl Willison is not only a gifted artist but also a lifelong entrepreneur. Recognizing that functional gifts meet the needs of travelers, Darryl's latest venture is a fun and quirky giftshop full of one-of-a-kind creations that are not only decorative but also serve a purpose.

Merc 66 is part of the newly renovated commercial space at the El Vado Motel located at 2500 Central Ave SW in Albuquerque. It is walking distance to Old Town and is right across the street from the Botanical Garden.

Merc 66 is actually a co-op giftshop and not only features numerous fun and functional "Darryl" creations but those of other artists as well; all of whom have a vested interest in the success of the shop.

Merc 66 owner, Darryl Willison, custom tee-shirts
Merc 66 has a tiny boot print, occupying only 350 square feet, but there is no wasted space here. The quantity and selection of products is impressive and every explorer of The Mother Road is likely to find the perfect thing to bring back home.
Route 66 gift shop, tee-shirts, Albuquerque New Mexico
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In addition to wall art, there are tee-shirts, coasters, bumper stickers, refrigerator magnets, New Mexico shaped cutting boards, hand made soaps, fruit preserves, steel sculptures, neck pillows and even pool wrap ponchos made from southwest themed beach towels. Like I said, something for everyone!
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custom gifts by albuquerque artist, Darryl Willison
steel sculpture by albuquerque artist, Darryl willison, Merc 66
route 66 refridgerator magnets by new mexico artist, Darryl Willison
For more information about Darryl Willison, visit his website at  WhimsicalWest.com and be sure to "like" Merc 66 on facebook. Merc 66 merchandise is also available online and can be ordered at www.Merc66abq.com and if you're traveling through Albuquerque, don't forget to book your room at the El Vado Motel.
Albuquerque artist, Darryl Willison, at Merc 66 in El Vado Motel on Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Albuquerque Musician and Entrepreneur, Jim Gross

5/15/2018

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Albuquerque Guitarist Jim Gross, Dry Heat Photography

Jim Gross has been a staple in the New Mexico music industry for over two decades.

Jim Gross, Dry Heat Photography, DeAnna Vincent
Jim first moved to the Albuquerque area in 1991 and over the years he has released two music albums and built a massively successful wedding entertainment business.

His musician based DJ service is a one of a kind business model in the sea of sameness that dominates the wedding industry. Jim's business, Carousel Of Music is unique in that it not only features talented and experienced wedding DJs but the real star of the show is the live performances from the musicians.

I mean, who wouldn't want a live flamenco guitar set during the cocktail hour and dinner followed by a rockin' dance party for their wedding reception? It ain't your grandma's wedding reception...

​
After producing over 3000 local events, Jim's live performances have led him to become one of the most recognizable guitarist in Albuquerque.
Weebly - Websites, eCommerce & Marketing in one place.

More than a Wedding DJ

In addition to building a successful entertainment agency, Jim Gross is also a recording artist and has released two albums featuring his notable musicianship.

Sandia Moment

Ten years ago, Jim decided to pursue his dream of writing, producing, and recording a flamenco guitar album and in 2008, he released Sandia Moment featuring twelve tracks of his fusion blend of flamenco, jazz, and classical guitar styles.  ​
Sandia Moment is available to purchase both on CD and via digital download from CD Baby.
Jim Gross, Sandia Moment, Dry Heat Photography, DeAnna Vincent

Circle Of The Lord

Jim Gross, Dry Heat Photography, DeAnna Vincent, Albuquerque guitar
In 2015, Jim returned to the studio to create his 2nd album, Circle Of The Lord.

Circle Of The Lord is an original collection of Christian songs and gospel music and features performances from Jim's son, Alan Gross, as well the choir and other musicians from Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Albuquerque, NM.
Like Sandia Moment, Circle of The Lord is available for purchase and download at CD Baby.

What's next for Jim Gross?

Jim has been burning the midnight oil with the development and production of an internet based music education business that he is preparing to unleash on the world.

I can't give any spoilers, but I can say that his new business is likely to change the face of music education in terms of both private instruction and in how music is taught in schools.

​Stay tuned, this is the first post about Jim Gross, but it certainly won't be the last!



​
Jim Gross, Sessions Academy, Music Moment, Dry Heat Photography, DeAnna Vincent
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    I am DeAnna Vincent, fine art and portrait photographer in Los Lunas, New Mexico. These are the photos from my everyday adventures.

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