We recently connected with Mieke Rotsaert and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Mieke thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
A long-made dream come true!
Since 1978 we enjoyed going to galleries on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. It was always our dream to be part of the community, connecting with visitors and adding wonderful art to the historical known art road in Santa Fe.
During 2020 we decided on our business plan. During Covid and needing to be in house we had plenty of time to create our virtual presentation of “art is gallery santa fe”
Our mission statement: “Open mind art” through Cultural Awareness expressed by individual artists using different media such as Fine Art, Sculpture, Jewelry and Wearable Art.” Works are carefully selected that will bring joy and love to the buyers, appreciate the value, and provide collectors with the special satisfaction of supporting artists.
We started working to develop our website. Choosing the platform and design with easy navigation, people friendly was the goal, yet very satisfying to the eye.
We developed our group of artists, starting out small.
We created weekly marketing emails and YouTube video’s, plenty of creative ideas to keep our followers interested and looking forward to the next email.
One of the goals was to have a nice presentation on social media.
In 2021 when Covid lifted we opened William’s studio, and our home to have several Exhibits. Those opening receptions were a success, people craved to socialize after the confinement for a year.
In the meantime, we were looking for a physical location for our gallery with more foot traffic. We were approached during one of the opening exhibits by the owners of our present gallery. They were so impressed with our creative way how we turned our home into a gallery. The connection and communication were what we both hoped for, we could only have wished for such good landlords. The location and size of the gallery at the beginning of Canyon Road is perfect.
Our business decision was made; lease signed.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Our name for the gallery is the answer to “What is Art?” Art Is….
“art is gallery santa fe”
I am a people person, working for 26 years as a Sales Director and managing different departments within the organization. I had 650 accounts, that through travels, shows, and presentations I nurtured and grew sales. This included working with artists, designers, and managing inventory. Forecasting sales and calculating cost and markup pricing.
It was a natural transition for me to take over the reins of our gallery. I am very proud of the group of artists we present in the gallery. Each artist is unique and creative with high qualifications of execution and expression.
We are published and known as: “Different, fresh, colorful, variety and museum quality”. These are a few of the adjectives describing the paintings, sculptures and jewelry found at “art is gallery santa fe” Be welcomed by Owners William and Mieke Rotsaert.
William Rotsaert is an artist in the gallery as well as a creative director. He has lifelong experience growing up in a gallery with International Artist displays being curated monthly.
We are approachable to everyone walking into the gallery. Friendliness and a happy experience go a long way.
The most touching moments are when visitors are so emotionally touched by the art to the point that tears come into their eyes. Art brings out happiness, memories, emotions, music and is so personal to the viewer.
We wish to touch the hearts of many more viewers.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Born in Bruges, Belgium, the journey of resilience through my lifetime started by moving to this country in 1978, building a wonderful family, having grandchildren that I am very proud of. Adjusting to a new culture and life, learning a new language. Absorbing new adventures and living it.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
In the gallery we have a sign in book for visitors to leave comments and information.
We send a marketing email weekly to all our contacts, we talk about our events, featured artists, what’s new, community news.
Mailing out invitation cards to our address list for all the openings we have throughout the year.
We send customers images of new art by specific artist that they like and collect, following up via email, text or phone calls.
Customer relationship, building trust, and loyalty.
Marketing is very important, and we foster our brand throughout the year by advertising in several publications.
Awareness and branding the name is what we work and focus on daily.
We’re very involved with the art community and support all local events.
Local Support has been a great asset to our business.
We are members of the Santa Fe Gallery Association, Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce and New Mexico True
We’re having a presentation on Shop where I live Market place Santa Fe website.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artisgallerysantafe.com
- Instagram: art is gallery santa fe
- Facebook: art is gallery santa fe
- Linkedin: art is gallery santa fe
- Youtube: art is gallery santa fe
Image Credits
William Rotsaert