Balloons Over Route 66
Balloons Over Route 66 showcases a mural developed by local artist Jessey Sandoval along with 43 youth artists from around the Albuquerque metro area. The mural features—the Burque Vibe, —highlighting iconic signs, local hotspots, low-riders, as well as beloved desert wildlife. Created as part of the City of Albuquerque’s celebration of Route 66’s 100th Anniversary in 2026, the Balloon Museum invited K–12 students across Albuquerque to design original hot air balloons. Selected by the Museum’s Board of Trustees, the colorful balloon artworks are displayed above Sandoval’s black-and-white mural, forming a vibrant, layered exhibition that celebrates creativity, originality, and the joy of flight.
About Jessey Sandoval:
Jessey, an Albuquerque artist originally from Capulin, Colorado, works in ink using a detailed dot-shading technique. This work is grounded in research on Route 66, drawing from archival images, personal stories, and historical records to create textured, narrative illustrations.
Created for the Balloon Museum, this piece reflects his evolving practice, honoring the legacy of Route 66 while evoking shared journeys across landscapes, communities, and time.
Artist Jessey Sandoval adds additional touches to his mural before the installation of works of art by local youth artists. Youth artists have contributed drawings of colorful hot air balloons which will be placed in the sky above the black-and-white cityscape.