Weathered But Not Forgotten
Emily Schmidt
Artist Statement
This sculpture honors a symbol that has stood the test of time—a Route 66 shield that may show its age, yet carries stories that never fade. Like the travelers who’ve journeyed this road, the sign has endured the elements, gathered character, and quietly collected memories. The rust, the chips, the wear—these aren’t flaws; they are evidence of a life well lived.
Every mile traveled past this marker has left an imprint. Moments both big and small echo through its surface, embedded in its texture. This piece isn’t polished or pristine, because neither is memory. It is shaped by experience, weathered by time, and held together by meaning.
Rather than asking viewers to look back with nostalgia, this sculpture invites them to move forward with appreciation. Each mark tells a story, reflecting the spirit and resilience of a community proud of where it’s been—and ready for where it’s going.
Thank you to our Sculpture Sponsor
Emily Schmidt
Emily Schmidt is a multidisciplinary artist based in Springfield, Missouri, working across sculpture, painting, photography, and film. Her practice centers on memory, movement, and the emotional weight of everyday places, often drawing from personal history and shared cultural experience. With a background in film production and psychology, she approaches visual storytelling with an emphasis on atmosphere, symbolism, and human connection.
Emily has contributed to public art projects throughout her community, including murals, mosaic installations, and site-specific works, and continues to create accessible art through local storefront installations. Influenced by the nostalgia and visual language of Route 66, her work seeks to evoke familiarity while inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys, both literal and emotional.