I was on my 50th camping trip in 38 years with
Stephen Johnson and Bruce Gregory driving to Palouse Falls, Washington when I spotted a
colorful bus near the road.
For decades the old bus sat next to highway 261 in
Washtucna, Washington where it was spray painted by graffiti artists. Over time it became a popular spot for
painters and photographers as the bus’s appearance continually changed.
Eventually the bus was destined for the scrapyard when a
letter was written by Lee Ann Blankenship, President of WHMCC (Washtucna
Historical Museum and Community Center) to the Washington State Department of
Natural Resources to explain the significance of the bus. Eventually an agreement was made to move the
bus to land donated by Blankenship Farms near the intersection of Highways 26
and 261.
The bus, well known as #ThatNWBus, has now been donated to
WHMCC. Artists and photographers enjoy
adding their personal touch to the iconic bus.
The vibrant colors include everything from love notes to
abstracts and political messages. I
loved photographing it but had some reservations that I was merely copying
someone else’s “art”. So, it was a
challenge to use the colors and designs creatively.
I hope you enjoy the photos, but please remember they are
copyrighted and must not be used without my permission.
