Cadillac Ranch of Amarillo Texas

by Priscilla Burgers

Title

Cadillac Ranch of Amarillo Texas

Artist

Priscilla Burgers

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

CADILLAC RANCH OF AMARILLO TEXAS by PRISCILLA BURGERS

In 1973, Texas millionaire Stanley Marsh, 3 invited a San Francisco artists' collective called the Ant Farm to help him create a unique work of art for his sprawling ranch just west of Amarillo. The group acquired ten used Cadillacs, ranging in model years from 1948 to 1963. Built along the remains of historic Route 66, the cars were meant to represent the "Golden Age" of American automobiles. Most of the cars were purchased from junk yards, averaging about $200. The cars were buried nose-down, facing west along the old highway. Those that could run were driven into the half-burial holes; the rest were hoisted in. In 1974, the project was completed and in no time at all visitors began to come from all over the world, leaving their mark on the ever-thickening graffiti covered cars. At first, the cars displayed their original paint jobs but barely was the monument complete when people were scratching or painting their names in the cars. Over time, vandals and souvenir hounds smashed the windows and made off with all the chrome, radios, speakers and even some of the doors. The wheels have since been welded to the axles to prevent more theft. However, Marsh said, "We think it looks better every year."

In 1997, Cadillac Ranch was exhumed and replanted about two miles to the west, in order to escape the encroaching city of Amarillo. Under Marsh's orders, even the old site's trash and clutter were gathered from the old location and spread around the new location. Otherwise, the monument remains the same, and ever changing, since it was erected. Throughout the years, the Cadillac Ranch has been repainted several times. In May, 2002, the cars were restored to their original colors. In June, 2003 the cars were again painted, this time in flat black, in response to the passing of the founding member of the Ant Farm.

This monument was built as a public sculpture and visitors are encouraged to participate in it. So, it's ok if you take your can of Krylon with you, leaving your name or an inspiring message, which will, no doubt, be erased by another message soon. Photographs, which may include cattle since the Ranch is in a pasture, may be taken at the site. Cadillac Ranch has appeared on numerous TV shows, magazines, and newspaper accounts.

Stanley March, 3 died in June, 2014 at the age of 76.

The Fine Art America logo will not appear on your finished product.


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June 4th, 2016

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