Help Save Sonya's on Historic Route 66

Hi folks,

We (the artists at Sonya's on Historic Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas) are reaching out to ask for help in saving one of the best things that's ever happened to the art community in our town. This beloved business has been devastated by Covid-19, and our family of artists wants you to know how important it is that our "Art Mom, " Sonya, is allowed to keep it operating. Let me start by telling you about her and her business:

Sonya's Story

The story began in June of 2018, when a spirited little Texas gal opened up a small boutique in the Historic Rt. 66 District, one of the oldest business districts in Amarillo and part of the original route of the Mother Road. At the time, it was chock full of souvenirs, clothing, antiques, furniture, jewelry and knickknacks. Sonya's quickly became known as one of the friendliest places in town, where you could take a load off your feet and chat as well as find some great merchandise.

Amarillo is home to a great number of amazing artists and photographers. Over time, many walked through the doors and soon, space was made to accommodate some of their works for sale. Sonya's husband, Jay, created new hanging space with innovative displays and more artists brought their work in. Eventually, art sales became the staple and the entire store was renovated to dedicate nearly all of the space to art - including floor-to-ceiling space on the outer walls. Sonya's "Jewelry Saloon," with its glass case/counter/bar, stayed in place and now holds unique handmade jewelry you won't find anywhere else.

When a local art mall closed its doors, many of the artists and photographers needing new homes for their work found them at Sonya's. This gallery now provides space for the work of over 30 artists and photographers, on the outer walls and on display panels arranged on the floor. Most are local, but a handful are from places as far away as Wyoming. The most important thing about Sonya's, though, is that it's not like any other art gallery you've seen.

Our Art Family

When you walk in to our gallery, you're not only greeted warmly, but you can immediately tell that this place is different. No stuffy, quiet atmosphere, no walls with 99% empty space and no one breathing down your neck while you browse. The background music is always on (usually something like Santana or the Eagles), there's free coffee and water, and art for sale EVERYWHERE. On most days, you'll also be greeted by Sonya's "shop dawg," Adler! (Yes, it's dog-friendly, too.)

There's also a good chance that some of the artists will be around, working on their displays or just sitting in some of the comfortable chairs and talking. We're all family. Sonya has provided a unique place for her artists and her customers, where everyone is truly comfortable. We drop in for lunch. We have events for ourselves and some for the public - when we can, and it's always no-holds-barred fun! (The photo below is used with the gracious permission of Nancy Smith, Lightning Horse Photography.)

Meanwhile, she works HARD to sell our art!

Her business is vital to us, and to the Route. She brings in business for the entire district, through her work with Route 66 Associations and with special events for the entire community. She and Jay also attend events to support other artists and small businesses.

Enter the Pandemic

The past 2 years have been incredibly hard on small businesses, especially in places like the Historic District, where tourism is a large share of the trade. People from all over the world visit this area, and when the lockdowns came, that share was lost. Despite the reduction in income, Sonya has kept her doors open and had all the protocol-required precautions in place, even though the profits have disappeared. She's kept it going through the tough times, because she loves art and her artists.

Now, despite the outbreaks, tourism is coming back, and all the precautions are still in place for those that choose to use them. If that was the end of the story, it would be a happy one. Unfortunately, it's not.

COVID Hits Home

Jay works as a maintenance man for a local church that has a retreat in New Mexico and he's required to work there occasionally. He unknowingly returned from his last trip there with a COVID infection. He was hospitalized shortly after, and Sonya got sick and tested positive, but has been quarantined at home and is recovering. As of this writing, Jay is still in the hospital. He has health insurance through his work, but it does not cover Sonya.

Our art home has been closed and quarantined and each day of closure has been like a coffin nail. The allotted time for the virus to die has passed and the gallery has been cleaned and disinfected. Sonya has clearance to open again, but building lease payments and utility payments are overdue, medical bills need to be paid and she will need to hire help to avoid exhaustion. Bills are piling up at home as well, and there has been no income to cover them. (Amarillo's assistance programs ran out of funds long ago.)

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW! WE'LL MAKE IT WORTH YOUR WHILE!

This unique, important business needs to remain open. Our art family and our individual families need to bring those art buyers in the door. Sonya's website is bringing tourists to her door and we can't let all of her efforts be wasted by this virus.

Those of us within the art family who can are helping, but without her gallery, our incomes are down, too. We'll be pitching in at the store, of course, but we're also going to be donating artwork to send to donors. It will take time to list these, but we will be emailing coupon codes to anyone donating $50 or more. The available artwork will be listed on a special page in the next few days, and we will make announcements and send emails.

IF YOU LOVE ART, ROUTE 66, FAMILIES or HEROES, PLEASE HELP US SAVE THIS BUSINESS! DONATE NOW!