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Connie Axton
Connie Axton is owner and manager of Ventana Fine Art, a
gallery showcasing collections of paintings and sculptures
from artists all over the country.
How would you describe what you do for a living, and
what is your favorite part of your job? I have owned
and managed Ventana Fine Art for the past 37 years. I have
enjoyed growing the gallery from a small print gallery inside
the Inn at Loretto into its current position as a Canyon Road
anchor, with a beautiful range of paintings and sculptures
from traditional to contemporary. My favorite part is bringing
a new artist into the gallery, displaying the work and seeing
our clients respond by adding that artist’s work to their
collection. I just installed seven new, wall-hanging bronze
sculptures by Brittany Weaver, and all sold within the first
few days of being on display. What a thrill for all of us!
What do you consider the greatest challenges and
rewards of your job? The challenge is dealing constructively
with the ever-changing art market, demographic changes in our
target clientele, the pace of technological evolution and the
economy in general. The greatest reward is being able to work
with superbly talented artists and being able enjoy their works
before facilitating placements in worthy collections. Another
great reward is being able to treasure my four families: my
siblings, children and grandchildren; my work family at Ventana
and my ARTsmart family; and the family of friends, both at
home and with my church ladies. [ARTsmart is a nonprofit
that provides children with educational opportunities in art.] I
have worked over the past 25 years to grow ARTsmart into the
superb community resource it is today.
What is your favorite outside-of-work activity? I am
passionate about cooking. I have a huge collection of
cookbooks, and I put them to good use with all the culinary
gadgets, like my instant pot and air fryer. I enjoy trying new
things and sharing them with my gallery family and friends. I
love musical theater, opera and concerts in Santa Fe, and the
many excellent venues for cinema in Santa Fe.
What is your insider recommendation for those
visiting Santa Fe? Any of the great spas in town. For
some mountain air, I recommend Ten Thousand Waves or
Ojo Caliente [in Taos County]. You can’t go wrong with
restaurants in Santa Fe. Take advantage of the walkable scale
of downtown and Canyon Road.
What is your favorite near or far getaway, and why? My
favorite nearby getaway is Denver, where I have family. I’m also
a big Denver Broncos fan. Coming from a large, close-knit
family with six other siblings in different parts of the country,
visits to any of them are always favorites.
Describe an unrealized dream of yours. Taking a little risk
here, but I dream of a world with more kindness, peace and
understanding. An immediate goal is to pay off the mortgage
on my modest home in the foothills.
What is a hidden talent of yours? Singing. I’m not sure
it’s completely hidden: I sang for five years with Zia Singers,
but time constraints were too numerous for me to continue.
You’ve heard of Sunday painters. I sing on Saturday nights at
Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community. It gives me joy
and makes me happy.
as told to Leah Pinkus
SANTA FE SPOTLIGHT
VENTANA FINE ART
400 Canyon Road
•
Santa Fe, NM 87501
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505-983-8815
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800-746-8815
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ventanafineart.com
FRANK BALAAM
“A Forest of Reds”
50" x 50"
Oil
