JONES WALKER
Walker said the blueprint for Jones Walker’s success “is pretty simple. We selected Taos artists that we had grown familiar with and collected on our many visits to Taos. We just picked what we loved, and it made for an interesting mix of styles and mediums. We loved the feel and space of the Rancho Milagro Gallery that inhabited the old house that’s now Jones Walker of Taos. One day we noticed the space was empty, so we contacted the previous tenants and the planets aligned in a Taos magic way for us to move into the beautiful historic home turned gallery on Bent Street.”
Walker and Jones show up every day and do what they love, knowing “that most of the people that come through our front door are on vacation from locations far and wide. Our protocol is just to be a positive part of their vacation and provide a warm and inviting space that they will remember and want to visit again. What we find is the combo of fun and a diverse mix of Taos talent is a great formula to sell our collection.”
Some days in the gallery, Jones paints his Maxterpieces, which often sells before the paint dries. And when he’s not painting, he joins Walker to engage with customers and sell art. “People ask how we can live and work together and I guess you just get used to doing it all together.” Max was born on Jan. 21, so he’s a dawning Aquarian. Tony was born on May 30, so he’s a solid Gemini. Unlike other signs who shy away from expressing their opinions, airy Gemini and Aquarius enjoy voicing their point of view, and believe that exchange is analogous to true expression. The planets in Jones Walker’s constellations may, in part, explain the upbeat atmosphere and gallerist charisma the couple is known for.
“Interacting with clients is our favorite part of owning an art gallery in Taos. It’s a privilege to know so many people from all across the United States and around the world. We’ve sent artwork to Canada, Italy, Germany, France and even Australia. And we treasure the close friendships we’ve created with so many remarkable locals. It is an honor and privilege each day, and we never take those relationships for granted. It is incredible how many people keep returning to Taos and we form these long-distance relationships where we get to see people when they come to their happy place... which is our happy place, too.”
Walker said he sees the Taos art market continuing to grow. “Taos has been a thriving artist colony for more than a century. That won’t change in the next five-to-ten years. Collectors will continue to come and enjoy the diverse artistic landscape that is Taos. As long as we continue providing amazing work for visitors, our artists will continue to grace the walls of collectors all over the country and the world.”