The Frisco
Linda Passeri
Artist Statement
The Springfield 66 – Frisco design was created to honor the historic legacy of Springfield’s railroad industry and its enduring connection to the iconic Route 66. The distinctive silhouette of the Route 66 shield immediately evoked the form of the historic Frisco logo, providing the conceptual foundation for the piece. Drawing on the railroad heritage that shaped north Springfield, I integrated visual references inspired by Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton and the architectural icons of Historic Commercial Street. The front composition features a locomotive and freight cars traveling the tracks beside Commercial Street, anchored by the recognizable footbridge in the background. The reverse side portrays the rural Missouri landscapes through which both the rail line and the Mother Road pass, emphasizing the shared pathways that helped define the region’s cultural and economic identity
Thank you to our Sculpture Sponsor
Linda Passeri
Linda Passeri is a full‑time multidisciplinary artist working across painting, sculpture, and public art. From her home studio, she creates expressive works that span both intimate fine art and large‑scale murals throughout Springfield and Joplin. She also leads hand‑building clay sessions at Synergy Recovery Center, sharing the restorative power of creativity with others. Passeri is an active member of numerous regional arts organizations and a recipient of multiple awards recognizing excellence in both painting and sculpture. Her honors include the Ozzie Award from the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Best in 3‑D from the Southwest Missouri Art and Craft Guild, and several juried exhibition awards. A dedicated arts advocate, she has served on the Springfield Art Museum Board, helped found the Moon City Creative District, and continues to support artists through workshops and community engagement.