(Joplin, MO) – The third edition of the World Street Painting Festival is expanding in Joplin, Missouri — and this time, it’s bigger and more breathtaking than ever.
Visit Joplin is excited to announced that from June 3 to 5, 2026, sixteen world-class artists will transform a parking lot along West 7th Street into a mind-blowing open-air gallery of 3D street paintings, all honoring the Route 66 Centennial. Armed with chalk, brushes, and buckets of paint, these artists will create stunning optical illusions right on the pavement. On June 6, the masterpieces will be unveiled — and you’re invited to step into the art, strike a pose, and snap the ultimate photo. Best of all? The gallery will remain open and free to the public all year long, celebrating the centennial.
The 2026 edition celebrates two powerful themes: international artistic exchange and the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Artists will work side by side, sharing techniques, exploring perspective, and creating a visual language that connects the legendary spirit of the Mother Road with contemporary creativity.
This year’s artist lineup includes:
- United States: Tracy Lee Stum, Naomi Haverland, Chris Carlson, Jan Riggins
- The Netherlands: Leon Keer, Maureen Kolhoff, Remko van Schaik, Ruben Poncia
- Italy: Fabio Fedele
- Japan: Canaco Matsumoto
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Kerim Musanovics
- France: Jean Marc Navello
- Germany: Melina Berg
- Poland: Gregor Wosik
- Mexico: Roberto Carlos Trevino Rodriques
- India: Sayak Mitra
Together, these artists represent a vibrant mix of styles, cultural perspectives, and artistic traditions. Their collaboration will make Joplin a global meeting point in 2026, where art, history, travel, and cultural exchange come together on the pavement.
Inspired by the landscapes, road trip stories, roadside culture, and communities along the route, the artists will create immersive 3D works that invite visitors to step directly into the art. From Native American legends to classic diners, from open highways to stories of movement and migration, the paintings will celebrate the many layers of the Mother Road’s past, present, and future.
In 2026, Route 66 turns 100 — and World Street Painting Joplin will help bring that milestone to life in a truly unforgettable way. All the art from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 editions together show Joplin’s connection and celebrate the Mother Road of America.
Public Program Highlights
- June 3 to 5, 2026 – Live 3D Street Painting at 1717 W. 7th Street
- June 6, 2026 – Public reveal of the 2026 Gallery (10:00 am to 12:00 pm)
The public is invited to watch the artists daily as the 3D art comes alive. And during the public reveal on Saturday, June 6, children of all ages are encouraged to add their own artistic Route 66 memory to the local chalk gallery. Chalk will be provided.
Thank you to Allo Fiber, Crossland Prefab, ABE Paint Team, Lowes, TownePlace Suites, Sherwin-Williams, and Liberty Enterprises for their support.
Through the end of the 2027 tourism season, Joplin will host the world’s largest collection of 3D Street Paintings.
Reference:
Patrick Tuttle, Director
Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau
417.625.4789
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