22 Jan Sunland Motel, Mesa, Arizona
Mesa, Arizona is the cozy next door neighbor to Phoenix, offering more affordable housing and lodging on the outskirts of town. Many factors contributed to the enormous influx of people into Mesa beginning with the construction in the 1940’s of Falcon Field and Williams Field. A great number of military personnel moved to the area in the years following. In the 1950’s when air conditioning became popular, numerous motels popped up along Main Street (The Old Apache Trail) as tourism began to flourish in this desert paradise.
We began visiting Mesa frequently when my husband’s parents moved here from Iowa to escape the frigid winters. What a treasure trove of great old motels and signage I discovered upon my first drive up and down Main Street! The Sunland Motel was one of those finds! The sign incorporates so many fun elements, I just couldn’t resist painting it! A great example of mid-century modern at its best! And oh yes, I had to include one of those great Arizona sunsets!
Oil on canvas, 24×36″
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