The Amarillo Art Institute’s Vermillion Gallery opened the “Mother Road — Open Air, Open Road” exhibition, a juried show featuring plein air paintings of Route 66 landmarks in Texas and New Mexico. Awards were presented at a reception, with Wendy Ahlm winning Best in Show for “Help Wanted,” Lisa Flynn earning an Honorable Mention for “Café Stop,” and Dick Wimberley receiving the People’s Choice Award for his painting of the Blue Swallow Motel. Other winners included Carolyn Lindsey (second place) and Michele Byrne (third place).
This exhibition matters because it celebrates the cultural and historical significance of Route 66 through the eyes of contemporary artists, drawing attention to the preservation of roadside Americana. By showcasing local and regional talent, the show strengthens community engagement with the arts and highlights the Amarillo Art Institute’s role as a hub for regional artistic expression.