Downtown Silver City Strong Awards

Silver City MainStreet is acknowledging downtown businesses that have persevered during the COVID pandemic with Downtown Silver City Strong awards. The awards are a way to say thank you to businesses that have worked hard to stay open and find new and creative ways to operate. Silver City MainStreet is grateful that they are located downtown.

Thanks to a generous donor, Silver City MainStreet is able to give each business owner an award plaque.

1. The Silver Clipper, a downtown barber shop (Nov. 13, 2020)

“We have had to change our business format to appointments only and we would like to thank our customers for their patience and loyalty. We have the best customers in the world.”
~ Owner Tom Perez, Jr.

2. Gila Mimbres Community Radio, a non-profit, volunteer run community radio station in downtown (Nov. 23, 2020)

“We have had challenges during the pandemic with raising funds to run our non-profit radio station. We adapted by offering poetry readings and musical performances conducted via online meetings that we could then broadcast, or a radio play performed by the Virus Theater, another downtown staple, entirely over the phone.

When it comes to our local shows, we have had to take new approaches in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment. To continue our live broadcasts for shows, such as Local Flavor, we have transitioned to holding the show almost entirely over the phone with a producer controlling the board here in our studio.

Another challenge we face is asking for funding during a time when funds are not plentiful for all. Asking someone to open their wallet to help keep our lights on is a hard task, especially when they need to think about keeping their own lights on. For this reason, we are constantly left in awe over the continued love, support and appreciation we receive from the community.

Through these challenges, we have also been lucky to collaborate with other community non-profits. A perfect example is the Gila Resource Information Project, otherwise known as G.R.I.P., whose executive director Allyson Siwick launched our newest locally produced daily show: Grant County Coronavirus Update. With this show, we are able to provide daily updates on local, state, and federal information whether its a new health order, food pantry schedules, and where to get tested for COVID-19.

We are proud to be the voice of a community that finds resilience through connection and forward movement. We are even more proud of the fact that we are funded by a community that believes in us as much as we believe in it. And for this reason, we will continue to provide a voice and a choice for southwest New Mexico.”
~ Marcus Hanson, a volunteer with GMCR

3. The Future Forge, a non-profit (Dec. 2, 2020)

“It has been difficult for us here at Future Forge Makerspace, being a public educational and recreational facility, we have had to close our doors for the second time this year. Ever since the pandemic began, we have used our facilities to house experimentation with PPE to develop effective and efficient models that would allow us to create equipment as quickly as possible for our medical care providers.

Beginning in March 2020, the Future Forge Makerspace began to house the production and design for personal protective equipment, in partnership with medical professionals, to be used by medical care providers. As of the beginning of December 2020, we will have made and distributed over 3,000 protective isolation gowns! We have also distributed over 1,500 face shields to medical staff, essential businesses, and community members. Our volunteers continue to push out protective equipment as safely and quickly as possible.

This summer, after restrictions had lifted slightly, we worked with the Town of Silver City and Silver City MainStreet to coordinate the Makers Market at Main Street Plaza. We successfully created a safe place for local struggling artists to find some sort of profit through these hard times.

With cases rising so rapidly, we have once again shifted our efforts towards our PPE production. We make face shields, respirators, isolation gowns, and other products that are distributed all over the state. We are hoping that in the near future we will be able to reopen to the public with limited access and necessary safety protocol.”
~ Mary Stone and Stephen Lindsey of the Future Forge

4. Javalina Coffee House (Dec. 2, 2020)

“Challenges we at Javalina’s faced from beginning to now started with laying off all of my staff for almost 3 months from the end of March 2020 until June 2020. I had to adapt to the public health order and in doing so I gathered my staff for a very somber meeting to let them know everyone would be laid off for the next few months not only for their own safety, but for the well being of their families as well, and I would bring everyone I could back in due time.

I worked 7 days a week from 6 am until 5 pm every day at the coffee shop by myself for months and documented my journey weekly via a Go-Fund-Me I started in order to qualify for a single micro-grant that Go-Fund-Me was providing for small businesses. I applied for eleven grants and received a total of three. The grants we were graced with were the Go-Fund-Me Small Business Micro-grant, the Silver City Main Street Loves Local micro-grant, and the Silver City MainStreet Small Business Assistance Loan that was forgiven. We unfortunately did not qualify for other grants that were being processed through the state.

In order to adapt to the lack of being able to receive other help we received support from the community through several private donations, 5 weekends of donation based bake sales where I baked for 14 hours a day through the weekend, and then selling furniture and plants from Javalina’s to stay afloat. Eventually, we we’re able to bring all the barista’s back to work around mid-June to now. In order to adapt we socially distanced all of our seating areas, set up a canopy to make our door seating more appeasing, and got ourselves trained and certified through the state with New Mexico Safe Certifications on COVID Safe practices.

While being NM Safe Certified all barista’s have explicit safety requirements in order to even be at in the building which include but are not limited to wearing a mask throughout the shift, sanitizing every hour, constant hand washing, proper use and disposal of gloves, as well as having their temperature taken before and after their shift. We are constantly adapting to the health and safety practices as they are updated.

Lastly, to adapt to today’s new world, we added colorful cheer to our coffee shop by painting our own rendition of a New-Mexico-Winter-Wonderland on our windows to bring cheer to the holidays. We have been so incredibly blessed to have the support of so many people in the community that other than safety we bring cheer to the table as well in light of darker times.”
~ Samantha Aliban, owner of Javalina Coffee House

5. The Lotus Center, a non-profit (Dec. 4, 2020)

“While preparing for our new web-based mode of delivering classes, our learning was very steep. We had to educate ourselves on lighting, microphones, cameras, and a new computer program that enables us to offer high-quality, secure classes to our community. Although our knowledge of these technologies was practically zero, we have friends who are knowledgeable in these areas. Their support has been indispensable.”

In late September, Lotus Center collaborated with their next door neighbor, Light Art Space to offer outdoor, in-person yoga and Qigong classes on Light Art Space’s back patio. They received a grant from the United Way of Southwest New Mexico to purchase propane patio heaters. With these heaters, the organization hopes to continue the outdoor classes for as long as possible, winter weather permitting.

“Lotus’ donations through Give Grandly in May were almost double that of the previous year. Ongoing donations since that time have also been up. Quite frankly, we feel not only supported by the community, but protected too. I’m confident that we’re going to be just fine.

Our students miss coming to Lotus Center, and we miss seeing them. At the same time, most folks who give our online classes a try really seem to enjoy and benefit from them. Now more than ever people need the stress release and physical benefits that comes from yoga and meditation. I can’t appeal strongly enough to folks to make personal care a priority, whether it’s through our classes or offerings by other organizations.”
~ Jeff Goin, Lotus Center’s founder and director

6. The Silver City Food Co-op (Dec. 4, 2020)

The Silver City Food Co-op as an essential business had to pivot immediately as the seriousness of the pandemic became evident. They installed sneeze guards at the registers, limit the numbers of shoppers to 8 at a time, and they wipe down the baskets after each use. The Co-op asks for patience from their customers and to please make a list before coming to shop. With only eight people being able to shop at a time, people are waiting outside in the cold to get in. If you are organized, you can shop faster. Please also send one shopper per household, please leave the kids home, and with a shopping list, you can get in and out fairly quickly.

7. The Murray Hotel (Dec. 8, 2020)

“Since March when a variety of pandemic restrictions have been in effect in New Mexico, the hospitality industry, especially lodging, have been severely impacted. It has been a struggle to operate the Murray Hotel in the current economic environment.

The hotel has adapted to changes in what were previously normal booking patterns for business travelers, leisure travelers and groups that are currently at a minimum. Murray Hotel staff have completed all of the COVID-19 Safe Certifications to ensure that hotel guests experience a COVID-19 safe environment. Currently, the guests at the hotel include essential workers who are assigned to Silver City temporarily. The hotel offers an extended stay option at a reduced rate.

To help promote local interest in ‘Staycations’ for locals who would like a change in scenery without leaving the area, Phillip Cave has compiled a history of the hotel, ‘The Murray Hotel: From Dream to Reality’ which is available for purchase. Many longtime residents of the area have fond memories of events that they participated in at the hotel. Also, on request in conjunction with an overnight stay, Cave will provide a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the hotel and a complementary copy of the history. The hotel is working on attracting fellow New Mexicans to stay at the hotel and experience the variety of outdoor activities that can be safely enjoyed such as hiking, bicycling, birding and the ‘Trail of the Mountain Spirits’ for a scenic motorcycle or vehicle tour.

We are also encouraging guests to explore downtown and try to find the seventeen murals created by the Youth Mural Project. Guests are interested in finding out about eateries and the food and beverage options that are available in downtown. The front desk staff keeps an updated list of dining options that is provided to guests on request.”
~ Lucy Whitmarsh, Director of Sales for the Murray Hotel

8. Corner Kitchen (Dec. 11, 2020)

The Corner Kitchen pivoted almost immediately and started offering ‘Common Table Dinners’ as take out only along with a daily changing menu of take out lunches, dinners and pastries.

“I can only accept this award on behalf of all downtown business that are fighting everyday to keep our doors open and serve our community. We are all challenged by the way we provide customer service, the daily challenge as things are constantly changing is demanding. We face kinks in the supply chain which limit our access to all the supplies we need to run a business and provide products to our customers. I do find inspiration how our local businesses encourage and support one another.”
~ Howard Richardson, owner and chef of the Corner Kitchen

9. Morones & Knuttinen LLC. (Dec. 11, 2020)

“You would not think our business had challenges but indeed we have! To a large degree, we are a cyclical business with the well known issues of ‘Tax Season.’ Even we found it interesting that in spite of a much easier (or at least shorter days and weeks) March and April, that our normal vacation period was non-existent and the ‘easy weeks’ that we all look forward to in eager anticipation, never materialized. It threw a monkey-wrench in the whole works.

Though March and April were easier than normal, the work did not decrease–all the tax returns still needed to be completed. On top of our normal work, the pandemic led our government to pass stimulus packages in many different forms–nearly all that effect small business and their accounting and reporting. The Cares Act et al, we estimate increased our workload by 30% this year. Though the technology has been around for quite some time, our office has been heavy in ‘in-house’ work.

Rules, regulations, along with simply safe best practices, led to the need to obtain the proper infrastructure to work virtually. This when added to time-sensitive work along with the added workload and the learning curve with new hardware and software was a huge hurdle to get over. One of our biggest issues is we work to help clients comply with their legal requirements. The hidden dilemma, is the intimate nature and sensitivity of this work.

One might think that doing this work would be favorable–and it probably is to many–but it is one people want to sit and talk to you face-to-face, to make sure you are the one directly hearing their questions and concerns, that their information is not getting lost in the mail, mail slot, email, or anything similar. People want the physical contact of giving you their personal information when it comes to this very sensitive data. This in a way is the hardest area to traverse in this current environment.”
~ Mike Morones

10. United Country Mimbres Reality (Dec. 18, 2020)

“The COVID-19 pandemic has virtually affected every individual whether they have been exposed or not. In our business, folks were calling from all locations trying to find somewhere they could feel safe and small towns in the southwest seemed to fit the bill. Our business was deemed “essential” for most of the year, so with social distancing, cleanliness, and careful attention we were able to function. Masks and gloves are necessary to show property even if the property is empty. The biggest challenge is in the Property Management part of the business. Folks have been laid off, furloughed, or had hours cut. We help provide avenues of assistance, sending them information on where and how to get rental help. We try to keep helpful material on the desk so it will be handy for them.”
~Georgia Bearup, Owner of United Country Mimbres Realty, Inc.

11. The Ice Cream Emporium (Dec. 18, 2020)

“We’ve been working so hard to stay afloat, make sure everyone in our shop is safe, and keep our doors open, while downtown has been so slow due to the stay at home orders. It’s been a trying and very uncertain time for sure. Winter is hard enough for an ice cream shop, and it’s made it that much more difficult to plan when everything closes downtown due to mandates, and reopens and closes again so frequently. The rules are constantly changing. We’ve gone up and beyond state mandated requirements to remain open, and stay ahead of these frequent changes. We offer FREE PPE masks to those that need it, as well we have touch free hand sanitizer dispensers at the ice cream counter and exit door. We have set up social distancing decals on our floor and windows, as reminders to do your part. We’ve shutdown our booth seating while mandated, and offer take out, and continue to sanitize touched surfaces frequently. We’ve re-arranged our entire store floor plan a couple of times.

We’ve now retrofitted our shop with the very best Medical Grade H13 Air Purifying Equipment available. Placed throughout our shop, this equipment is made to clean our air up to Ten times (10X) the size of our serving area and sales floor, and soon this will be doubled. This means all of the air in our shop is filtered and cleaned fully about every 5-6 minutes, and with the new additions, it’ll cut that time in half.

We’ve mostly been getting by on savings, we’ve seen many red days this Winter and Fall, meaning we’ve been operating at a loss, but with the help of our loyal local customers it’s helped keep our doors open and soften the blow a bit, and we truly appreciate everyone that has supported us during this pandemic. Just seeing your smiles, and hearing your warm words, has given us so much hope and motivation to keep going, and evolve to something much greater than we had originally envisioned. We love our town, and we will continue to do our best to remain open as long as we can, provide a safe and fun family oriented environment, and continue to serve the best homemade artisanal ice creams in town.”
~Kris Fredericksen, owner of The Ice Cream Emporium

12. Adobe Springs Café (Dec. 21, 2020)

“The biggest challenge is keeping up with all of the changes and keeping our staff employed. We want to keep our staff scheduled for enough hours that will allow them to pay their bills.

We have adapted by offering carry out that can be ordered from a menu online or if you are using the patio, we have contactless menus. Use your phone to scan the QR code to see the menu. Whether dining in the patio, or picking up your take out, we have contactless payments too. We even can accept payments with Apple watches.”
~Jennifer and Gregg Cook, owners of Adobe Springs Café

13. Silco Theater (Dec. 21, 2020)

“We almost immediately shifted gears and went to offering curbside service Thursday to Saturday from 4 pm to 7 pm so home movie watchers could have that great Silco popcorn. Navan states it was Lucien Shepard’s idea to open the concession and it has been a great success with keeping us going and relevant to the community. We offer popcorn balls, hot dogs, nachos, and of course our great popcorn. We have regulars that show up each week, especially for the popcorn balls and we sell out each day. For the holidays, popcorn ball wreaths are being offered along with biscochitos and caramel corn. We really appreciate all of our regulars that come by each week to purchase from the concession stand.”
~Joe Navan, co-operator of the Silco Theater

14. Silver City Gospel Mission (Dec. 23, 2020)

“We have seen a tremendous increase in the number of families we serve. In March of this year, we provided meals for about 35 families. Last week we provided meals for 112 families. The same increase has been seen in the number of senior citizens needing meals.”
~Amy Wagner, executive director of the Gospel Mission

15. Revel (Dec. 23, 2020)

“The biggest challenge we have had was pivoting to online ordering. We also expanded our outdoor seating and each table has an individual heater, and there are additional space heaters – we have many heaters! We have had to keep trying new things and then work to get it out on social media so residents know what is available. We are excited for 2021 because we are starting a new menu. It’s our Christmas gift to our regular customers and fans. We appreciate everyone hanging in there with us!”
~Kelsey Patterson, co-owner of Revel

16. Jumping Cactus Coffee House (Dec. 29, 2020)

Melissa Holland, owner of the Jumping Cactus Coffee House, had a bake sale for the holidays to earn more funds. She had customers pre-ordering and then had a table for covid-safe pick up. Holland took over the business just as the pandemic was hitting and has had a tough time. She encourages residents to order take out drinks and sit outside on the porch to enjoy one of her coffees or treats.

17. Forrest Pizza (Dec. 29, 2020)

Kim Classen, owner of Forrest Pizza, is one of the rare businesses that has weathered the pandemic well. During the first shutdown, her business increased quite a bit and has stayed up. For Classen, as a take-out only business, she has not been hurt by the pandemic. She is now offering New York cheesecake as well as her pizzas.

18. Tranquil Buzz Coffee House (Dec. 29, 2020)

Dale Rucklos has been on quite a journey with Tranquil Buzz Coffee House. He had to move down the block to what was Harry Benjamin’s home. Dale has been renovating the property making a wonderful outdoor garden. The indoor area is also beautiful and awaiting the end of the pandemic to be enjoyed. Thanks to generous donations and a GoFundMe campaign, Dale has been able to stay afloat. He has a take-out window and also offers gifts to make up for lost sales.

19. Silver Artifact (Jan. 4, 2021)

Martin and Crystal Munoz, owners of Silver Artifact moved their business from their location on Broadway Street to the corner of Bullard and College this past fall. The move has helped them survive during the pandemic. Martin states, “We have more space here so with covid capacity limitations we can still have gamers come in and play. We also have more foot traffic at this location and that has helped us.” They also have exciting plans for post-pandemic, “We are going to have outside chess boards set up for people to come by and play. It will also be a space to just hang out. With our bigger space, we can also offer soda for the pokeman players who are walking around downtown.”

20. Encore and The Mane Event (Jan. 4, 2021)

Ramona Maltby of Encore states, “Being a small business this past year has been difficult and more so with personal hardships. Holly’s husband was diagnosed and began treatment for cancer and I lost my dear brother in March. To say it’s been hard is an understatement, but the community of Silver City is so supportive of small businesses and Encore chose to bring in many of our local artists, some who create for a hobby. This kept our merchandise current and helped many of our local artists.

God bless our customers also who called to find out when we could open again and come in to buy even very small items to be a part of our recovery. We love our community it supports our salon The Mane Event and our mothership Encore. We did this together, that’s how you make it through hard times.”

21. All My Momma’s Junk (Jan. 6, 2021)

Missy Lopez is the owner of All My Momma’s Junk, a fabric and craft store that carries items for all types of crafters. She also makes custom purses and other items. Missy states, “We donated over 4,000 masks and then started to make masks for sale to try to keep open.  That, and all of our good, loyal customers ordering online or coming in via appointment has kept us open.  We are getting some new fabric in and plan on making more purses.”

22. Silver City Bookshop (Jan. 6, 2021)

Just a couple of doors down from All My Momma’s Junk on Broadway St. is Silver City Bookshop. It has a great selection of used books and a children’s corner. Michael Lacey at the Silver City Bookshop states, “We are still here despite it all and hope for a better 2021.”

23. Birdwell’s Vintage Vibe (Jan. 6, 2021)

Kelly Edwards was just preparing to open her new shop, Birdwell’s Vintage Vibes when the pandemic hit. She opened when she was allowed and persevered, even moving down Bullard Street to a new location to have better visibility. She is now located at the corner of Bullard and 6th Streets. Kelly states, “I appreciate everyone coming and helping to keep us open.  I love our new location.  Come check us out.”

24. Morning Star (Jan. 7, 2021)

Lynn Mondello of Morning Star states, “What we have always loved about being in business is the community interaction. We will have been in business 29 years in February. We have enjoyed supporting and being a part of the local schools, sports, events, and festivals. And this year we have been blessed to see the community support us!

We have many loyal customers. People have purchased gift cards when we were closed and they have made special efforts to shop local. They have used our locally.com site to do curbside shopping when they were not comfortable to come inside and they shopped during the Main Street Cash Mob!

Our holiday season would not have been the same without incredible local support! So we would like to say thank you to all who have made it possible to continue to be in business during the Covid closures and restrictions. And we look forward to good times ahead!”

25. Gila Hike and Bike (Jan. 7, 2021)

Martyn Pearson and Alexandra Olsen, co-owners of Gila Hike and Bike want people to know they are still here. Martyn states, “We were given essential status in April and follow whatever restrictions we need to follow to make people feel safe. Sometimes we have locked our door or restricted the numbers of customers in the shop. We are grateful to be open and are very conscience of being a safe place to shop. Our first concern was for our staff – how do we make this a safe place to work. Our employees have been spectacular and professional. I feel lucky to have such a great staff.

One of our challenges has been the supply chain. Things made of metal and rubber that are imported are slow to get here. We are doing our best to keep the shop supplied and have had to become very creative to keep stocked. We continue to work on being as helpful and safe as we can.”

26. Single Socks (Jan. 12, 2021)

Single Socks, which opened for business in 2009, is a non-profit thrift store that donates 100% of its profits to anti-hunger programs in Grant County.

“Like all businesses in Silver City, I’m sure, it took some creative, thoughtful planning to get us to a place where we could reopen,” says Kathleen Wigley.  “Single Socks is a retail operation.  A lot of our customers come so they can browse and mingle.  We knew it was going to take some doing to keep our customers and staff members safe through solid social distancing protocols, and provide a pleasant shopping experience.”

“We brought in the town Fire Marshall for guidance on what our maximum safe capacity would be,” Wigley said.  “He told us that for a store our size, the maximum total number of people in the store at one time was eight.  That’s eight people, including both customers and staff!”

“Everyone has just been great,” Wigley said.  “Because we can only have four or five customers in the store at one time, folks sometimes have to stay outside and wait until another customer leaves.  Almost without exception, people have been very understanding and patient.  I can’t say enough about the patience and understanding of our staff too. The cooperation and flexibility of everyone involved made my job a whole lot easier.”

27. Kris’ Unique Boutique (Jan. 13, 2021)

Kris Lowry, owner of Kris’ Unique Boutique states, “During the downtime it allowed us to be able to re-organize, clean, and get hand sanitizer and mask signs ready.  We are proud that our customers are following the rules and did what they could so that the businesses can stay open and everyone can be safe.  We are thankful for our community and the community has told us they are thankful that we are open.”

28. Our Paws Cause Thrift Store (Jan. 13, 2021)

Heidi Ogas of Our Paws for Cause states, “Our shop involves the community and they donate and volunteer.  We rely on our community to buy from our store and the funds support our mission.  Proceeds from Our Paws Cause thrift store go to help homeless/unwanted/misplaced animals as well as provide a Spay and Neuter program in Grant county.

29. Gems by Therese (Jan. 13, 2021)

Therese Higgins, owner of Gems by Therese, a retail shop selling oriental imports, crystals, and jewelry states, “I am thankful for all the people and their patronage as well as all the local support.  I appreciate everyone wearing their masks properly.  I appreciate all our worldwide suppliers and hope that those that had to quit stay healthy and strong.  Thank you for your continued support.”

30. Bear Creek Herbs (Jan. 14, 2021)

Naava Koenigsberg, owner of Bear Creek Herbs outlined what her business has been going through, “In the spring of 2020, when mandated public health COVID-19 restrictions were implemented across the country, we at Bear Creek Herbs made sure to let our state government know that our community counts on us for many of its vital healthcare needs. We received essential status and have been able to remain open consistently. 

We were fortunate to receive a grant from Silver City Main Street to install Plexiglas sneeze guards and make other modifications to our shop. This allowed us to let customers into the front section of the store during the summer and early autumn.”

31. Twin Sisters Cycling and Fitness (Jan. 15, 2021)

AJ Tow, owner of Twin Sisters states, “2020 has been an interesting year for the Bike Business, and outdoor related business in general.  The surge of new bike sales last spring dried up the distribution network.  Not only of Bicycles, but repair parts and supplies.  We have faced a serious supply vs demand scenario.  The manufacturers are simply not able build bikes fast enough.  This has created a world-wide shortage of Bicycles, and Bicycle related goods.  We have been forced to come up with creative ways to provide the community with the same high quality service we have for the last twenty plus years.  Our nutrition product selection has expanded greatly.  We are constantly adding products to keep our customers healthy.  Everything from Pre-Workout supplements to weight loss and appetite suppression.  Newly added Zero Sugar, Zero Carbs, Zero Calorie Raze Energy drink that we keep at a chilled 40 degrees.”

32. Light Art Space (Jan. 15, 2021)

Karen Hymer of Light Art Space said, “The past 10 months have been difficult for all downtown businesses.  Light Art Space closed for the first 3 months and cancelled all scheduled programing for 2020. It was hard to cancel workshops and other classes because it affected the income of many different people.  Fortunately, we were able to reopen in July with a COVID-19 exhibition of art by over 50 local artists.  It was exciting to see the quality and variety of work and to meet many artists I did not know. We have not yet been able to offer workshops but I am hopeful they can resume by the summer.”

33. Town and Country Garden Club Thrift Store (Jan. 22, 2021)

The longevity of this nonprofit club is due to being flexible to change. Many upgrades have recently been made to the store; from new management, new paint, accepting credit and debit cards and remodeling the store for easier access for our customers.

34. Power and Light Press (Jan. 25, 2021)

Kyle Durrie, owner of Power and Light Press states, “This has, indeed, been a tough year, but I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. While this business is going to look pretty different going forward (at least from my perspective on the inside) I feel confident I can keep it going. I’ve been refocusing my energy on stocking the store with fun new things, and I’m looking forward to reopening when it feels safe (TBD, depends on COVID status here in Grant County) and I so appreciate my loyal local customers who have continued to place orders online for local pickup. And a big THANK YOU to the internet for allowing small businesses like mine to continue to operate when we can’t do business face to face.”

35. Lois Duffy Art (Jan. 25, 2021)

Lois Duffy states, “I would like to commend the hard work and effort all my tenants are making due to our location a block away from Bullard St. traffic. We have all persevered so far and I find that amazing…that includes Wild West Weaving, Dragon Fly Gallery & Studio and Gillian Sherwood Law. I really feel that when this pandemic is over Silver City will bounce back better than ever.”

36. Pink Store North (Jan. 26, 2021)

Graciela Calderon of Pink Store North states, “We are grateful beyond measure for the outpouring of support from the community during these trying times. To be open and be able to continue a reciprocal relationship with our customers and artisans is a true blessing. We are open Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. We are happy to help you with any gifts, decorative items and furniture. We wish everyone health, joy and peace in 2021.”

37. Lloyd Studios (Jan. 26, 2021)

William Lloyd of Lloyd Studio states, “Elizabeth and I are very thankful for Silver City MainStreet for helping out with all the grants and resources you provide.  85% of our business is out of town shows and we are not able to do that right now so the federal funding has really helped.  Our store creates custom knives, swords, and jewelry.  We do custom work for hunters using the bones and antlers that they bring in.  We are always open and have our number on the door so can make an appointment.”

38. Home Furniture (Jan. 29, 2021)

Home Furniture has been operating in historic downtown Silver City since 1937. Scott Kennedy states, “We love our business, it’s what we do, and it’s what we know. We offer expert advice and service for furniture, carpet and appliances. We appreciate the support Silver City has shown us over the years. Please wear a mask and shop local!”

39. Diana Ingalls Leyba Studio and Gallery (Jan. 29, 2021)

Diana Ingalls Leyba states, “Change is inevitable. I have had an art supply store in Silver City for 23 years and I want to spend more time in my studio. I am keeping the same space downtown with a gallery in the front and my studio and classes where the art supplies used to be.” Leyba has also been leading the Youth Mural Program for years and that will continue to operate from the back of the studio. “We have limited hours right now and ask that everyone wear a mask. Thank you for your continued support.”

40. LV Studio (Feb. 2, 2021)

Lydia Villegas owner and artist of LV Studio states, “I am thankful for everyone in the community coming to support us. We could not do it without our locals.  I am preparing to produce more art and to be prepared to be open and thrive. It has been great during this downtime to spend more quality time with people and make new friends.”

41. Molly Ramolla Gallery, Studio and Framing (Feb. 2, 2021)

Molly Ramolla owner of Molly Ramolla Gallery, Studio and Framing states, “What makes me happy is people come in and look around. When they leave they are smiling and thanking me for being open. I like to make people happy!” Ramolla also invites residents to see her contemporary paintings done using the rarely seen wax casein technique, a painting technique used in the Renaissance period.

42. Chentes Taqueria (Feb. 5, 2021)

Chentes Taqueria was one of the brave new businesses to open in 2020. James Marin, owner of Chentes Taqueria states, “Thanks to all the staff and customers that allowed us to open in a pandemic. We appreciate the community and wish you all good health.”

43. Wild West Weaving (Feb. 5, 2021)

Hosana Eilert owner of Wild West Weaving states, “I have been in business here since 2009 and I am doing production work to keep busy and open.  I am preparing for teaching and different avenues for when we can completely open back up.”  

44. Gila Gallery (Feb. 5, 2021)

Robert Brown established The Gila Gallery in 2019, offering a fine selection of framed photographs and matted prints. Brown states, “The gallery features the work of 15+ New Mexico photographers and almost all of the photographs were taken in New Mexico. The gallery also has a selection of handmade resin jewelry, plus postcards, greeting cards, t-shirts, and Blue Q socks, oven mitts, and dish towels. We are located at 206 N. Bullard in Silver City (right next to Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery). Please wear a mask when visiting.

45. Keller Williams (Feb. 9, 2021)

Chloe Maxwell owner of Keller Williams states, “This is my first year as a business owner, and I’m following in the footsteps of my father, who owned the Maxwell House for many years. I genuinely love being located in downtown Silver City. We were so glad to receive a Small Business Assistance grant last year from MainStreet, which was entirely helpful in the success of my business. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when shopping.”

46. Farm Bureau Financial Services (Feb. 9, 2021)

Mike Rowse, owner of Farm Bureau Financial Services states, “We’ve been proud to support Silver City MainStreet and have been part of the downtown since 2013. We love taking care of our customers; that’s not just for their insurance needs. We participated in the NM Covid Safe program and adjusted our practices to keep our customers safe over the last year.”

47. The Glasserie (Feb. 12, 2021)

Aari Werber, owner of The Glasserie states, “We love providing local made glass art for our community and want to thank all of our patrons for the support and understanding during these difficult times.  Our studio space is home to multiple working artists and we want to keep producing glass in a safe and comfortable environment.  So we have been closed more than normal lately but look for us to be open regularly in the coming weeks and months with a new schedule.  Please give us a call for any of your glassy gifty needs at 590-0044.”

48. Sierra Communications (Feb. 12, 2021)

Keith Fisher owner of Sierra Communications states, “Thank you to all our customers, cities, and counties for your continued support.”

49. Cholla Cholla Studios (Feb. 13, 2021)

Mark Breithaupt, owner of Cholla Cholla Studios states, “I have enjoyed being here since moving here and would like to thank the community for their support.”

50. Dandelion Wish (Feb. 13, 2021)

Sherri Lyle owner of Dandelion Wish states, “I want to thank the community and my customers for their support.”

51. Manzanita Ridge (Feb. 13, 2021)

David Van Auken, co-owner of Manzanita Ridge states, “We are open again, 11 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday. We will open more as it is safe to do so.”

52. Dragonfly Studio (Feb. 22, 2021)

Kelly Johnson, owner of Dragonfly Studio states, “I’m honored to receive a Downtown Strong Award! Thank you! We are so grateful to the Silver City community for their warmth, generosity, and support. We are proud to be a part of the Historic Yankie – Texas Art District, and are optimistically anticipating a spectacular 2021 season!”

53. Nancy’s Silver Café (Mar. 4, 2021)

Dora Wooten, owner of Nancy’s Silver Café states, “I would like to thank the MainStreet Project for this award. It has been a long struggle to survive COVID-19 and keep my business afloat after having to close for 6 months out of the last year. I am thankful for the help from the government for my business as well as help for my employees. I especially appreciate my faithful employees that have been with me through this pandemic.  I would not have been able to reopen without them. A special thanks to all my customers for their support!”

54. Soul River Studio (Mar. 11, 2021)

Carole Czujko, owner of Soul River Studio wants people to know, “We are here for the long-haul to serve the community.  We are rooting for our community and looking forward to everyone being able to stop by. We are going to be stronger and more vibrant than ever and are getting more goodies – home decor and art. Layaway is available and we are available by appointment.  Call 707-490-4367.”

55. Oasis Coffee and Tea House (Mar. 16, 2021)

Oasis Coffee and Tea House is one of the more recent arrivals downtown. Carla Friedrich, pastor of the Church of the Desert SW who runs the coffee house states, “We want to thank all the people who made an effort to help us survive.  The people coming in, our volunteers, and our congregation. Thank you to our fellow businesses for visiting each other’s business to help each out and the encouragement we get from each other. We are grateful for the Makers Market and all the proprietors that did their best as it helped bring people in the door. We believe that collaboration and cooperation makes a community. And thank you to Silver City MainStreet for all the information and business strategies to help us survive.

56. Animalia Studio and Gallery (Mar. 19, 2021)

Animalia Studio and Gallery is a wonderland of creative pottery, upcycled clothes and wall art. Todd Shelby and his wife Karen opened two years ago on the 200 block of Bullard. Todd states, “Having our art studio connected to our shop has been perfect for us. We enjoy meeting people and showing them how we create our pottery and other artwork. Silver City has made us feel very welcome here from day one. We can only have two customers in the gallery at one time due to covid space restrictions and require face masks to enter. Please come by and check us out.”

57. Grant County Art Guild Gallery (Mar. 19, 2021)

The Grant County Art Guild Gallery is grateful to be recognized among the local businesses receiving Downtown Strong awards. Local businesses have creatively found ways to provide goods and services during this difficult year. For the GCAG Gallery, being a Non-Profit made it easier to weather the economic strain and operating restrictions caused by the Pandemic. All the operating expenses of the gallery come from the annual dues and rent from its members. That benefits customers by not having a mark-up to cover commissions. It also benefited the gallery during the shutdowns, since not being dependent on profits for its expenses allowed the Guild to move into a holding pattern until they could reopen their doors. While still open 7 days a week, the Guild has reduced its hours of operation, so that the most vulnerable of its members do not need to work shifts. “We care about the health and safety of our members,” said President Jo Thomas, “as well as that of our customers and community.” The Guild is a New Mexico Safe business and follows those guidelines, including requiring masks and limiting the number of people in the gallery. It also has adjusted its outdoor air exchange to provide a regular, complete, turnover of air.