We recently connected with Bekah Kolbe and have shared our conversation below.

Bekah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful projects I’ve worked on are those that connect emerging artists with new collectors—especially when those connections create real, lasting change in both of their lives. There’s something incredibly powerful about helping an artist who’s just starting to break through—someone still juggling a full-time job—make that leap into becoming a full-time fine artist. At the same time, guiding a collector to discover the joy of investing in an artist early in their career is equally rewarding. It’s about more than just a sale—it’s about creating relationships that can shape the course of an artist’s journey and ignite a lifelong passion for collecting.

Some of the most fulfilling moments for me have been during shows where we sold out an emerging artist’s work, or when we facilitated connections that elevated their career and helped them build a strong collector base. There’s nothing more joyful than witnessing the moment an artist realizes they can finally quit their day job and dedicate their life fully to their creative work. Being part of that transformation is why I do what I do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a passionate, creative, and pragmatic arts professional with over a decade of experience in gallery management, curation, and arts administration. My career spans both for-profit and non-profit sectors, where I’ve developed a strong track record in sales, business development, and driving revenue growth through curated exhibitions, thoughtful artist representation, and meaningful community engagement. My core strengths—discernment, flexibility, and efficiency—allow me to manage gallery operations with care while building lasting relationships with artists and collectors alike.

I got my start in the art world in 2010, when I took a summer job as a gallery assistant at Blue Pearl Arts and Antique Gallery in Pierceton, Indiana. But my love for art began much earlier—as an artist myself. I grew up studying a variety of creative disciplines, from acrylic and watercolor painting to flute, acting, drawing, and graphic design. I even took AP Studio Art in high school, fully immersed in the idea of becoming a professional artist, before ultimately realizing that my path was meant to support artists rather than be one.

After college, travel, and a lot of self-discovery, I found my way back to the arts—this time through the lens of arts administration. What began as an entry-level gallery position evolved into a fulfilling career that’s now firmly rooted in Southwest Colorado. Since 2014, I’ve worn many hats in the regional arts scene—curator, arts writer, arts marketer and gallerist. In October 2024, I stepped into my current role as Gallery Manager at Blue Rain Gallery in Durango, the second location of a long-established gallery known for its pioneering role in elevating studio glass within the Native American art world.

What truly sets me apart as a gallerist and curator is my deep commitment to community engagement. I’m not only passionate about supporting the artists I represent, but also about nurturing the broader cultural fabric of our mountain towns. I believe collaboration makes us stronger, and my time in the nonprofit arts world gave me the foundation to build meaningful connections across Southwest Colorado. I work closely with other arts leaders, curators, and gallerists to help shape Durango into a thriving, sought-after arts destination.

What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built—with artists who allow me to guide and support their careers, and with collectors who look to me to help them discover meaningful, impactful works of art. At the heart of what I do is a genuine love for creativity, connection, and the communities that grow when we invest in the arts.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came when I moved to Durango. At the time, I was seeking both professional growth and a deeper sense of cultural alignment—somewhere I could feel creatively and personally connected. That shift led me to transition from the for-profit gallery world into the nonprofit arts sector. Initially, it felt like a detour, maybe even a setback. But it ended up being one of the most important turning points in my career.

By stepping into roles with organizations that prioritized community building, I was able to put down meaningful roots and establish lasting relationships across all corners of Durango’s creative scene. One of the most impactful experiences came during my time with the Durango Creative District, where I co-founded an Incubator for Emerging Artists Program alongside Executive Director Kathryn Waggener. That program has since become a launchpad for local talent—uplifting artists like woodworker and painter Ted Moore, and neo-Western painter Jared Reed. Both artists used the incubator as a stepping stone and found long-term representation with established galleries within a year of their exhibitions.

Helping to foster those personal relationships and witness those kinds of transformations—watching artists go from local hopefuls to full-fledged professionals—is deeply fulfilling. Those are the moments that define my career aspirations.

What I’ve learned through experiences such as those is this: collaboration is essential, especially in smaller, tight-knit communities like Durango or Telluride. When you find people who share your vision and values, and you build something together with intention, the momentum built can be powerful. It reiterated to me that sometimes a pivot isn’t a setback but the opening to meaningful connections and opportunities.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

One of the biggest resources I wish I had understood and utilized earlier in my creative journey is the power of intentional networking—especially following up with people I had creative chemistry with. Over the years, I’ve had so many inspiring conversations and brainstormed exciting ideas with fellow creatives and gallerists, but in my younger years, I often let those connections drift without turning them into something tangible.

It really comes down to maturity and time management. In your 20s, it’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of new ideas without knowing how to distill that initial energy into tangible next steps—follow up is a skill that gets refined by experience, and I just needed more time to develop it. As I’ve grown into my career, I’ve learned how valuable it is to follow those sparks and turn them into something real. Most of the success I’ve had in my 30s has come from recognizing where I need support and teaming up with others—letting others flex their strengths while leaning into mine.

I don’t have any regrets about my career path. Every step, even the plateaus or unexpected shifts, shaped who I am. But looking back, I can see that I could’ve utilized my resources more effectively in those early years, especially when I stepped into my first gallery manager role at just 25. That said, we all have to be green at some point.

I’m incredibly grateful to now be in my mid-30s, managing Blue Rain Gallery in Durango, with a mix of experience, confidence, and wisdom—while still bringing the energy, curiosity, and creative enthusiasm that’s always been at the core of my work. I look ahead at the coming years and opportunities with an abundance of optimism.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bekahkolbe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatingthesouthwest
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekahkolbe

Image Credits

The first photo credits is Leah Garcia