We were lucky to catch up with Terry Eaton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Terry, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I am happy to say every project for Eaton Fine Art is meaningful as we have the joy and honor of collaborating with interior designers, brand leaders, and owners of hotels, both large and small. The public space art collection for the Four Seasons Hotel Austin and the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles At Beverly Hills come to mind as we collaborated with local artists to honor the story and history of these luxury hotels through the art collection. The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas as well as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas are also meaningful for the deep and immersive collaboration with their ownerships and design teams to curate memorable creative moments that will remain with guests long after they leave the property.

Terry, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My career has truly come full circle, driven by a lifelong passion for art and creativity. As a teenager, I started out selling my artwork at the Starving Artist Fair along the San Antonio Riverwalk. Even then, I had business cards and considered myself a freelance artist, driven by the desire to share my creativity with the world. That early experience laid the foundation for what would become my lifelong pursuit.

In 1992, my husband and I founded Eaton Fine Art after recognizing a need for a creative approach to art in hotel environments, we transitioned from selling my artwork to curating diverse collections from artists across the globe. Today, as the President and Chief Curator of Eaton Fine Art, we have spent over 32 years curating engaging and memorable art collections for hotels worldwide. Since our founding, Eaton Fine Art has collaborated with renowned hoteliers, design firms, procurement companies, and high-profile hotel brands such as Marriott International, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

I believe what sets us apart from others in the industry is our deep understanding of both art and hospitality. We don’t just select artwork — we curate experiences. We understand how art can transform a space and enhance the narrative of a hotel, creating an emotional connection with guests that lasts beyond their stay. Our ability to deliver creativity, attention to detail, and exceptional service is why clients continue to return to us time and time again.

Above all, I’m most proud of the fact that Eaton Fine Art has remained true to its roots — we are still fueled by that initial passion for creativity. It’s not just about providing beautiful art; it’s about telling a story, connecting with people, and making a lasting impact. That’s what we strive to do with every collection we curate.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Eaton Fine Art was founded by myself and my husband, Robert Williams. We met in Dallas 41 years ago where I worked for marketing and PR firms Robert worked for larger corporations. We moved to San Francisco where our creative minds were inspired by the local architecture, history, and art. We realized it was time to merge my art and marketing background with his family’s experience owning a hotel on Route 66. We remember that Robert’s middle school art teacher told him he needed to be an accountant or doctor, as one could not make a living doing something in the art world. But we were inspired and driven! Eaton Fine Art was awarded the order in 2003 for all the framed art for the 2,200 rooms at the Bellagio and the newly built Bellagio Spa Tower. Robert and I both wanted to find that teacher in Oklahoma and suggest they allow a child to dream and reach for the stars, and never tell a child “You cannot do that.”

Eaton Fine Art proudly holds certification as a Minority Business Enterprise from the National Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). The NGLCC is the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Our certification represents more than just a business credential—it reflects our deep commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Robert and I actively participate in NGLCC events nationwide, fostering relationships and building solidarity with other minority-owned businesses. Our involvement goes beyond NGLCC-certified businesses; we seek to strengthen connections and support the broader community of diverse enterprises. This engagement is a cornerstone of our mission to promote inclusivity and mutual success within the business world.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first started Eaton Fine Art, I received a lot of negative responses and advice, warning me against the difficulties of entrepreneurship. People said things like, “Don’t start your own business; it’s too hard,” and “There are too many challenges.”

During this time, it was crucial to unlearn the fear of failure and the belief that these challenges were insurmountable. I avoided the negatives and looked for the positives in starting a business, and I’m grateful for following this approach. Despite the many challenges of not only starting a business but moving forward during uncertain times, we’ve ensured that Eaton Fine Art continues to thrive. When I’m truly passionate about something, I will make it happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eatonfineart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatonfineart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatonfineart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eaton-fine-art-austin/

Image Credits

Eaton Fine Art