Visit Joplin Invites the Public to Watch Live 3D Painting and Public Reveal of the World Street Painting Festival June 3-6

Fourteen world-class artists, representing nine countries, have started transforming a parking lot along West 7th Street into a mind-blowing open-air gallery of 3D street paintings, all to honor the Route 66 Centennial.

In total, 16 new pieces of 3D art will be completed. Two US-based artists created their contributions last week.

Artists from India, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Bosnia, Germany, and the United States are in Joplin creating the 2026 editions in the parking lot of Westside Commons, 1717 W. 7^th Street.

The public is invited to watch the artists daily as the 3D art comes alive.

Step inside the world of 3D street painting and discover how these mind‑bending illusions come to life. During our Artist Talk, international creators will share their newest techniques, creative processes, and the personal stories behind their designs. In collaboration with C2C and SPIVA, this evening promises fresh insights, inspiration, and a closer look at the craft that transforms streets into open‑air galleries. 6:30 pm, Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex.

June 3–5, 2026 – Live 3D Painting at 1717 W. 7^th Street

June 6, 2026 – Public reveal of the 2026 Gallery (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

During the public reveal on Saturday, June 6^th, 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, Liberty Enterprise Group, Whitehill Enterprises, and Texas Roadhouse for their support.

With 29 3D pieces in total. through the end of the 2027 tourism season, Joplin will host the world’s largest outdoor collection of 3D Street Paintings.

Previous locations: The 2025 gallery (10 paintings) is at Schifferdecker Park, 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave., and the 2024 gallery (3 paintings) is outside the Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex, 212 E. 7^th Street, Joplin, MO.

More info: worldstreetpainting.com & visitjoplinmo.com

ADDITIONAL EVENTS PLANNED:

1. On June 8^th, at approximately 7:41 am, ultra-cyclist Joe Barr will be stopping in Joplin along his Guinness World Record Attempt to cycle all of Route 66 in eight days. Joe leaves the Santa Monica Pier in California, the morning of June 2nd, and plans to arrive at the Navy Pier in Chicago on June 10^th.

For those who may want to follow the Guinness World Record attempt, the tracker link is: https://trackleaders.com/route66fkt26f.php

Anticipated launch of the attempt is June 2 at 5:00 am PST.

2. Once the street paintings are completed, the location will host several large auto tour events. The first being the HOT ROD Power Tour Pit Stop on June 12^th. From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, we have the potential of some 5,000 hot rods passing through Joplin. The official “pit stop” will be at the Street Painting location, at 1717 W. 7^th Street. The public is invited to see the cars and meet the guests.
3. World Cup starts June 11^th with the first game in Kansas City on June 16^th. Visit Joplin is anticipating an increase in international travelers due to the games.

June 8, 2026        Joe Barr, Route 66, Guinness World Record

Attempt to cross Route 66 on a bicycle in 8 days.

1717 W. 7^th Street (City Hall if rain)

Time: Estimated stop in Joplin at 7:41 am

June 12, 2026       HOT ROD Power Tour Route 66

          1717 W. 7^th Street

5,500 cars passing through town

Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Reference:

Patrick Tuttle, Director
Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau
417.625.4789