The Connie Axton collection
Sharing Her Passion
The Connie Axton Collection
A new exhibit shares a personal history of art in the American West
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 30 OCTOBER 2024, SANTA FE, NM. The history of Ventana Fine Art dates back to 1983—for 41 years, owner Connie Axton has guided collectors in building collections of established artists and bright stars who have become established. Axton’s discerning eye and knowledge of traditional and contemporary art is renowned throughout the industry. So what treasures has she collected during her career?
In honor of her recent experiment in the Ventana 403 location, Axton has gone through her own extensive collection of artworks and chosen some gems that highlight the history of the gallery. But this isn’t just a history of Ventana Fine Art. It’s a history of the artists who distinguished Santa Fe as the place to acquire the best of the West. “The exhibit is a ‘last hurrah’ for the 403 space,” Axton says. “I’ve represented some of the finest artists over the decades and when something quintessential came in, I couldn’t resist adding it to my collection. The time is right for downsizing my own collection as Ventana closes its 403 location.”
The list of artists in the exhibit includes:
Deceased legends. The collection is rich in legendary artists including Dane Clark (1934-2020), Jennifer Davenport (1952-2019), John Fincher (1941-2024), R.C. Gorman (1931-2005), Edna Hibel (1917-2014), Frank Howell (1937-1997), Walt Johnston (1932-2018), Jesus Moroles (1950-2014), Forrest Moses (1934-2021), John Nieto (1936-2018), Fritz Scholder (1937-2005), Mary Silverwood (1932-2011) R B Sprague (1937-2010), Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991) and Veloy Vigil (1931-1997).
New Mexico-based artists. Among the New Mexico-based artists are Jane Abrams, John Axton, Carol Carpenter, Albert Handell, Kirby Kendrick, Armond Lara, Ted Larsen, Inger Jirby, Siri Hollander and Anita Louise West.
Rocky Mountain-based artists. Works by Kevin Red Star and Barbara Van Cleve from Montana and Colorado artists Doug Dawson, Sandra Kaplan, and Ramon Kelley are also represented.
Additional artists: Katalin Ehling, Randy Hasson and Bob Schwan.
Some surprises. Axton says that there will also be Australian aboriginal artworks and special pricing on John Axton’s Promise of Dream lithograph and prepackaged John Nieto posters and art book/giclees.
“These artworks have enriched my life for so many years,” Axton concludes. “I am ready to share them with collectors who will cherish them as much as I have.”