Pontiac's Walldogs

Walldogs. Have you heard of them? They are a group of sign and mural artists from around the world who are transforming the walls of buildings on America's Main Street into amazing works of public art. We've already seen their eye-catching work along The Route from afar, but here in Pontiac we get to take a much closer look at these amazing murals. Pontiac is the home of Chief City Walldogs, a local group of sign and mural artists who have painted some awesome public art on the buildings around town. Our first stop today is to visit these remarkable "Murals on Main Street."

But before I tell you more about this extraordinary public art project, let me say a word or two about our overnight stay. As I have noted previously, Pontiac does not have a lot of lodging options--and none on Route 66 in our estimation--so we were happy to find the Best Western Pontiac Inn for our first night's stay on The Route. Conveniently located near the Mother Road, this older property has benefited from a recent remodel. The front-desk staff was friendly and helpful. Our room was clean, quiet, and comfy.  The price was right, especially with the free hot breakfast. Until the Fiesta and Palamar motels on Route 66 are renovated, we will stay here the next time we are in town.

Now let's go see some murals!

As we approach downtown, we are astonished by the number of murals on the buildings in downtown Pontiac. This touching tribute to Bob Waldmire, noted Route 66 cartographer and traveling artist, is also a lovely homage to the Mother Road.

Other murals, like this vibrant Coca-Cola advertisement, recall the old-fashioned commercial wall murals before the advent of billboards. These "Ghost Signs" are still visible on old buildings in many towns and cities today. Have you seen them around town where you live?

The mural painters of yore were often called Walldogs--a nickname that has been adopted by today's mural artists. In addition to their name, contemporary Walldogs have also espoused other traditions and techniques from the past, such as the use of vibrant colors

distinctive design styles

and themes imbued with nostalgia and historic significance.

Pretty nifty, huh?

Plus, Pontiac holds a significant place in the Walldog movement, which began in Allerton, Iowa, where the first official Walldog meet was held in 1993. Event host Nancy Bennett invited dozens of sign artists for the occasion, who convened in Allerton to paint large historic wall advertisements on several downtown buildings. The Walldog movement has continued to grow since then, hosting events around the country and transforming America's towns and cities with eye-popping wall art. The Walldogs' growing list of accomplishments are being chronicled by the International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum, which is located right here in Pontiac.

The Walldog movement arrived in Pontiac when its resident Walldogs hosted the Chief City Runs with the Dogs meet in 2009. Pontiac's Mayor, Bob Russell, describes the positive impact that the event had on the city:

Walldogs from around the world occupied our City for 4 days in June of 2009.  Even before they arrived in Pontiac, I could sense the anticipation and excitement growing in the hundreds of volunteers who had been planning for the event.  During those 4 days, the laughter and smiles on people’s faces was something that hadn’t been seen in the City of Pontiac for the past couple of years. When I walked around on that Sunday evening at the end of the event, and looked at all the murals, I still couldn’t believe what I had just seen happen. The many buildings that just a few months before where looking old and tired, now looked new and alive.  A long time City resident came up to me and said, “This City hasn’t looked this good in 40 years”.  I agreed with him.  Since that weekend, thousands of local residents, and untold numbers of visitors from around the world, have been able to enjoy the beauty of the murals as well as learn more about the history of Pontiac.  It is a pleasure to be downtown and see people strolling along the streets, taking pictures, or just enjoying everything that the murals have brought to our City. The City of Pontiac sends a big “Thank You” to all the Walldogs that made this happen.

The murals created during the celebration continue to draw the eye of tourists like us from around the nation and the world.

The Walldogs are certainly making their mark in communities across the country, playing an especially important role in the revitalization and beautification of small-town America.

We didn't expect to find so much great public art on Route 66. What other delightful surprises will we find along the Mother Road?