Episode 109: 66 and Beyond

Episode 109: 66 and Beyond

From Blue Rain Gallery Podcast by Blue Rain Gallery

January 7, 2026 · 20 min · Season 6 · Episode 109

About this episode

The episode features an intimate conversation with painter Tony De Luz about his creative journey and upcoming show, exploring themes of nostalgia, community, and artistic integrity.

In Episode 109 of the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast, host Leroy Garcia welcomes painter Tony De Luz for an intimate studio conversation exploring the creative journey behind his upcoming show "66 and Beyond," an inspired body of work, and his evolving relationship with Blue Rain Gallery. De Luz reflects on the cultural power of America’s historic highway, sharing how its vintage signage, neon-lit motels, and small-town storefronts have become central motifs in his paintings. From Flagstaff to Albuquerque and Durango, the landscapes and communities of the Southwest provide both visual language and emotional grounding for his art, celebrating nostalgia while reimagining it through a contemporary lens. The episode also traces Tony’s path from commercial illustration to fine art, highlighting the persistence required to build a meaningful career in today’s creative economy. In a candid moment, he discusses his participation in the docuseries Glitter & Greed: The Lisa Frank Story, speaking openly about workplace culture, artistic integrity, and the importance of advocating for fair treatment in creative industries. Throughout the conversation, Garcia and De Luz explore…

People in this episode

Host: Leroy Garcia

Guest: Tony De Luz

Topics covered

  • artistic journey
  • cultural power
  • nostalgia
  • mentorship
  • community
  • creative economy
  • artistic integrity

Keywords

  • Tony De Luz
  • Blue Rain Gallery
  • 66 and Beyond
  • artistic growth
  • cultural motifs
  • Southwest landscapes
  • creative industries
  • workplace culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Blue Rain Gallery

Books & works: 66 and Beyond

Places: Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Durango, Southwest, America

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