Mercer, Pa. native David Schwartz’s Route 66 images featured on upcoming USPS stamp assortment

(WKBN) — David Schwartz, a Cleveland-based photographer, can have his work featured in an upcoming stamp collection celebrating the a centesimal anniversary of historic Route 66.

A Mercer native, Schwartz’s fascination with Route 66 started when he was in highschool.

“Back in 1988, when I was still in Mercer, my best friend that I grew up with, Mike, and I had girlfriends that were also best friends, and they used to geek out about this band called ‘Depeche Mode.’ We really didn’t dig it all that much. We were more rock and roll guys,” Schwartz mentioned. “But then we heard ‘Get Your Kicks on Route 66’ covered by ‘Depeche Mode,’ and we kind of started chatting about how it would be interesting to take a trip and explore it.”

Schwartz was solely 16 on the time, and his mother didn’t like the concept of him embarking on a cross-country journey — however he couldn’t cease interested by it.

“Fast forward to 2004. I finally had the chance to go out there to take a trip, visiting some national parks,” Schwartz added. “I was just really captured by the landscapes, old signage and motels just kind of decaying there in the desert.”

When the animated film “Cars” premiered in 2006, he was impressed to take one other journey exploring Route 66, and the remainder is historical past.

Schwartz has been photographing Route 66 ever since then, making him the right alternative for the United States Postal Service’s Route 66 Centennial Stamp Collection.

“I just kind of manifested it,” Schwartz mentioned. “One day, I got a phone call, and they’re like, ‘We’ve been searching all over for somebody whose work could be representative of Route 66 on stamps for the 100-year anniversary. We found your work and we think you’re a fantastic fit.’”

Schwartz is presently undecided when the stamps will probably be obtainable, however he mentioned he’s “looking forward to it.”

You can view the pictures featured on the stamps and extra of Schwartz’s work at his upcoming open studio, which runs from Thursday, Dec. 4 to Sunday, Dec. 7 at 17010 Madison Ave. in Lakewood.

Schwartz is exhibiting his work at a gallery in Wilmington, Illinois, known as “Art on 66,” in addition to a present at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios off of Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“We’re all told — or, at least, we should all be told — find something that you’re passionate about and make that your career, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” Schwartz mentioned.

You can view and be taught extra about Schwartz’s work on his website.