Published on Friday, April 11, 2008
The fifth anniversary of her gallery on River Road in Tucson is a far cry from the fire pit in the floor of Jane Hamilton’s teepee in Taos, New Mexico. In this unlikely place, she asked for spiritual guidance about her life’s vocation. One summer in the 1970s, she counted herself among an adventurous few, set aside her modern apartment for the peeled aspen poles that held up her teepee.
"The famous western artist A. Kelly Pruitt, invited me to set up my temporary home across the ravine from his teepees. That summer I learned to ride a horse, chop wood, haul water, build a fire, cook outside, and finally to star and life gaze," said Jane.
"One evening under the magic of the firelight glow, a friend suggested that I pray about my life work," said Jane. There was certain urgency as winter was on the way and her small daughter would be returning to her. It soon would be time to get back to work and into warmer quarters.
She had part time jobs lined up and there was always waitressing but Jane wanted something more creative. She had no money and no idea of what to do.
One morning soon after her prayer she stepped out of her teepee to gallery sit for a friend. This step was also her first step into becoming an art dealer.
Her journey passed through Taos and Santa Fe to Bisbee, where she opened her own gallery in 1992, and then to Tucson and River Road.
Before she made the decision to open in Bisbee she brought her four children into her living room, sat them down and asked them if they were willing to go into business. She wanted to know if they were in because she knew it was going to have to be a family endeavor.
The kids grew up cheerleading for the success of the family business, making and serving h’oerdreves and doing jobs such as cleaning, assisting with mailings – everything it takes to make a gallery successful. It was a family project right from the start and Hamilton gives credit to her grown children - all successful in their own careers - for the success of the family business.
When asked about the current state of the economy, Hamilton responds "This is our best year ever."
It’s hard to imagine Hamilton having a bad year although she said, "Sometimes when everyone is up, we aren’t doing as well!"
Given that many people are fearful over the economy, it can be instructive to hear from someone who is having her "best year ever." Here are some of the best practices Hamilton credits for her success:
• Dream a dream
• Love what you do
• Connect with people
• Go the extra distance – be helpful
• Build relationships
It’s inspirational to think about this single mother with four children, little money and a prayer who found her life’s passion, raised and educated her family. She also represents the finest artists and has helped thousands bring the beauty of art into their environment.
Even if the economy gets worse it’s not hard to imagine Hamilton will say a prayer and go right on.
Contact Sharon Youngblood, a management consultant, corporate coach and speaker for business executives, at say@youngbloodconsulting.com or (520) 795-7498. Youngblood’s website is http://www.youngbloodconsulting.com. Best Practices appears the first Monday of each month in Inside Tucson Business.
Jane Hamilton Fine Art Gallery
1825 E. River Road
http://www.janehamiltonfineart@comcast.net
(520) 529-4886
Copyright © 2009 Inside Tucson Business