What a great job it is to be an art dealer! Constantly surrounded by an ever-changing flow of beauty and creativity, attaching myself to works of quality and merit, often hating to let them go, and best of all getting to know, understand, appreciate, represent and care for their creators.
My current incarnation as a dealer is this showcase of the work of several Southwest artists working at the peak of their careers in a great variety of mediums, all producing original works of value, affordability and superior proficiency - all worthy of your consideration. Three of these artists I have known and loved for many years. The other five I have only met in the last year. Regardless of the length of our relationships, I firmly believe in the excellence of their work and am proud to include examples of their talent in my home gallery, as well as in my personal collection.
Beginning September 11, 2010, I will open an exhibition and sale entitled Two Masters of the Southwest, showcasing the work of Shirley Thomson Smith and Dolona Roberts. There will be a reception open to the public on September 11 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM in my home, Casa de Zia. The exhibition continues through October 9 on a by-appointment-only basis.
Casa de Zia is located at 4372 Camino Dos Vidas on the East Mesa in Las Cruces. Look for the big red Zia symbol. Open houses and appointments are free and open to the public. A preview of these and other works for sale may be seen in the following pages. Please call me at (575) 382-6914 for further information or to set an appointment.
I hope you will enjoy the variety of work represented. I believe it conveys the beauty of the great Southwestern vistas, the rich heritage of amazingly different cultural influences and traditions, and the use of colors, lines and forms to delight the eye, both amuse and challenge the mind, and nourish the soul. I am delighted to offer this array of energy and talent!
Enjoy!
About Myself
Since 1982, I have endeavored to offer an honest, attractive and tasteful range of art services, specializing in contemporary American Indian art and art of the American Southwest.
With a total of twenty-five years working in fine arts, I have developed a level of expertise and trust from my clientele and enjoy being known for my integrity of service and discernment of talent and worth in the art I offer.
Minneapolis was my home base for twenty-four of those years. I worked for several years in others' art galleries as Art Manager and Associate Director. I went on to own and direct the well-known Avanyu Gallery in Minneapolis where I developed and proudly displayed my specialties. During that time I founded and became the first president of the Art Dealer's Association of the Twin Cities. I moved to Las Cruces in August 2007 where I began to launch the private dealer business which is detailed here in this site.
I have been listed in every edition of Who's Who in American Art since 1983, as well as in the Art in America Annual Guide Sourcebook to the Art World since 1983. I am also proud to claim the following distinctions:
- Author of numerous articles on the art business, including a major two-part series on "Understanding American Indian Art," Art Business News
- Research and writing in progress: a survey of Upper Midwest American Indian Art
- Guest curator at Minnesota Museum of American Art
- Partnership Committee Member, Minnesota Museum of Art
- Honored by Minnesota Governor Carlson for volunteer work in the arts
- Advisory Panelist, Minnesota State Arts Board
- Advisory Board Member, Minneapolis American Indian Art Center Gallery and Indian Arts of America
- Panelist: Arts Law Conference, Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; Dakota Arts Congress, Jamestown, ND; Marketing Visual Art Workshop, Saint Paul
- Judge, First Annual Twin Cities Indian Market, Minneapolis
- Docent, Las Cruces Museum of Art
