Small Town America

Posted on May 31st, 2023.

Small town America. Most of us just drive through those towns without thinking about their glory days or their people. Baby boomers, do you ever get nostalgic and think about the “Good old days”? Not to say that our generation is the only one that experienced or are currently experiencing good old days, but ours seem to be special. Playing baseball until your parent’s screamed dinner is ready and we ignored them until the third time they screamed and then dad came running after you with his belt. Drinking water out of the garden hose was ok and it was ok to leave your house unlocked.

My husband and I took a road trip a couple of weeks ago and experienced the “ART” in and of these small towns. Old rusted out trucks, most seem to be Chevy’s, buildings, most built when the town was settled with character. We never seem to look up to the top of buildings to enjoy the art in the architecture of these buildings, who built them, what material did they use and who can get the perfect match to all the ornate pieces. My husband is a building hugger, not many of those around, and he just loves to touch the wood and bricks of old buildings. The people who still live in these towns and buildings still seem to have a joy in telling one about growing up in the town. What changed if anything. There is art in all small towns and the people of these towns all throughout America. Norman Rockwell had it right with his “Americana” paintings. He is quoted as saying “Without thinking too much about it in specific terms, I was showing the America I knew and observed to others who might not have noticed.” We’ve almost forgot about his subjects and how he brought them to life.

I drew this old truck several years ago. To me it represents Americana and small American towns. It has been donated to Wings For Life in Albuquerque NM for a silent auction. Hope it finds a good home.