POP 66: Pop can pinhole photos of Route 66
In March 1998, I built thirty-three pinhole cameras from sixty-six soda cans and set out on the road from Los Angeles to Chicago. On the very first day, I had a funny, serendipitous encounter with TV cowboy stars Roy Rogers and Dale Evans — and made their portrait using the cans.
I’ve been at it ever since, using pop-can pinhole cameras to document life along Route 66 for nearly thirty years. The project has evolved into both a book and an exhibition (details below). With 2026 marking the 100-year anniversary of Route 66, I’m hoping to find an exciting venue to share the work at least one more time.
RECENT EXHIBITION
Route 66: Alternative Perspectives, Coconino Center for the Arts, Flagstaff, 2025. A dual exhibition paired with Edward Keating’s Main Street project.
Press: Arizona Daily Sun; Arizona Family TV; Images Arizona (see pages 35-37: HERE); Route 66 News; Fox 12 Oregon; Festival of Science workshop
Instagram: Intro; opening; closing; pinhole workshop; personal recap
PAST SHOWS
Sosta, Flagstaff, 2025; THE ROOM, Venice Biennale, 2021; Fairlane, Portland, 2019; George S. Turnbull Center, Portland, 2017; Craft Chemistry, Syracuse, 2010; Corrosive Gallery, Chicago, 2005; Photographic Center Northwest, Seattle, 2002
BOOK
Pope, Wes. Pop 66: A Dreamy Pop Can Camera Odyssey Along Route 66. Press Syndication Group, December 2018. Contact Wes directly to purchase.
Route 66 centennial exhibition available: 55+ images matted with glass. The show includes VR elements viewable on mobile via QR codes. Inquiries: w e s @ w e s p o p e . c o m
