Hi Jodi,

I thought you might be interested in the below details on Curator Sara Eyestone and the booming art business at La Posada de Santa Fe. A unique story - please contact me with any questions or image requests.

Cheers,
Dana Curatolo
Laura Davidson PR


The art of selling art – putting it together

Curator Sara Eyestone has Revolutionized the Art Gallery at La Posada de Santa Fe with Record Sales

It’s an art collector’s dream vacation come true – visiting a resort in one of the country’s top art meccas where one can purchase the most desirable works at a fraction of the cost without even having to leave the premises. Oh, and it comes with a spa.

Such is the case at La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, A RockResort that hired Curator Sara Eyestone to manage the gallery collection on property. Eyestone was hired in 2009 and turned what used to be a few local paintings scattered about the resort into one of Santa Fe’s hottest galleries. She is now at the helm of one of Santa Fe’s hottest galleries, which houses over 600 pieces throughout the property.

Because the resort is able to not charge gallery hanging fees, she is able to offer these works of art to guests at a fraction of the cost. She also hosts “Meet the Artist” sessions where the artist will do a painting or sculpting demonstration, lead a lecture, or be available for a fireside chat with collectors completely free of charge. She can even arrange lessons or private lessons with the masters. When Eyestone spots guests who are intrigued by a certain artist, she invites them back to the resort when the session next takes place at a discounted lodging rate (guests who take advantage of this offer have changed their Santa Fe visiting patterns from once every few years to up to four times per year). Through her intuitive nature and ability to connect with people to find their desired art needs and these interactive sessions to personalize the works of art Eyestone has sold over $500,000 of art in the past year. 

As a testament to her success, over 400 artists are on a waitlist to have their works displayed at La Posada de Santa Fe.

Eyestone herself is an artist, and has been for the past 40 years. She has had over 50 one-woman exhibitions in museums, galleries and libraries and has painted almost exclusively on commission for the past 15 years. She herself offers oil painting lessons for guests based on their availability, and has found that many families have rebooked visits to La Posada to continue further enhancing their painting skills.

"Now is an exciting time for La Posada de Santa Fe," said Eyestone.  "Art is so integral to the culture of Santa Fe, but it has been decades since La Posada featured the work of independent artists rather than art from local galleries.  Our guests and visitors now see great work by notable American artists who are exclusive to our Gallery Collection without even leaving the resort.  It is reminiscent of the 'glory days' in the 1930's and '40's when La Posada itself was an art destination."

Set on six beautifully landscaped acres, La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, A RockResort, is located in the heart of Santa Fe, just blocks from the historic Plaza and art galleries.  The pueblo-style village resort’s $6 million dollar renovation was completed in July 2008, and invites travelers to experience the revamped, sophisticated Southwest design and updated luxury amenities. The extensive redesign enhanced all 157 guest rooms including 30 signature suites, public spaces, the RockResorts Spa, the historic Staab House and dining venues. AAA Four-Diamond award winning restaurant Fuego features contemporary, innovative cuisine presented with personal attentive service.

For more information on La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa call 866-513-ROCK (7625) or visit WWW.ROCKRESORTS.COM  .-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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