Wadle Galleries is Permanently Closed
In 1981 Albert Wadle bought the Blair Gallery, which he renamed the Wadle Galleries. This was the gallery's website for a number of years.
The content is from the site's archived pages and other sources, providing a glimpse of some of the artists that were represented over the years.
The Wadle Galleries Ltd is permanently closed.
AL WADLE
Obituary
Gallery owner Albert Wadle died Monday at 84.
Tom Sharpe The New Mexican Nov 13, 2012
Albert Wadle, a stockbroker who became an art dealer and philanthropist after moving to Santa Fe more than 30 years ago, died from a stroke Monday, Nov. 12, at age 84.
“I’ve found the secret to eternal life,” he said in a 1999 video for the Santa Fe Community Foundation. “By giving to an endowment, you and our good deeds will live forever.”
Born in Union, N.J., to German immigrant parents, Wadle grew up in a tenement. His mother died when he was 9. His father advised him, “Whenever you do anything in your life, you do it right or don’t do it at all.”
Wadle joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 and served on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific. Later, on the GI Bill, he attended Bucknell University, where he received a degree in economics.
He worked as a personnel manager for Union Carbide Corp., in Niagara Falls, N.Y., where he met the woman he would marry, Alice. They moved to Florida, where he began his career in the securities business, becoming a supervisor with Smith Barney, first in Florida and later in Dallas.
When he first visited Santa Fe on a business trip, he told Alice, “I’ve found paradise.” For more than a decade, the couple divided their time between Santa Fe and Scottsdale, Ariz., before moving to Santa Fe in 1981 to buy the Blair Gallery, which he renamed the Wadle Galleries.
Irby Brown, a landscape painter whose work is carried by the gallery, said he first met Wadle in Dallas after Wadle purchased some of his work in New Mexico and Alice took classes from him.
“His wife was an artist and, as a matter of fact, he was a pretty good painter himself,” Brown said. “So he was doing what he loved and he was very successful at it. … He was a very honest man. When I sold a painting, the next day I got paid for it — which is unusual these days in working with galleries.”
Bill Keller of the Santa Fe Community Foundation recalled that Wadle attended one of the foundation’s board meetings soon after arriving in Santa Fe.
“We were having trouble,” Keller said. “He said, ‘You guys aren’t thinking big enough.’ He gave us a lecture even though he wasn’t a member of the board. He told us what to do. Shortly after, we elected him to the board.”
Under Wadle’s guidance, the foundation also formed the Circle of Care to support health care and the Dropout Prevention Fund for education, and held an art fest annually at his gallery to benefit the foundation.
Wadle also helped support the Heart and Soul Animal Sanctuary and quietly gave to individuals. “He didn’t blow a trumpet each time he gave someone some money,” Brown said.
Wadle Galleries, now at 128 W. Palace Ave., plans to stay open for the immediate future. But it has advertised an “End of the Trail Sale” for more than a year. Its website says the gallery “is now facing the reality of nearing the end of a long, delightful and successful business existence.”
In addition to his wife Alice of Santa Fe and Scottsdale, Wadle is survived by his daughter Betsy Wadle and granddaughter Anastasia Trinidad, both of St. Louis, a niece and two nephews.
Funeral services are pending. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Circle of Care, Santa Fe Community Foundation
128 West Palace Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: 505-983-9219
Mon-Sat 9:30-5pm
Fine representational painting • Bronze sculpture • Pueblo and designer jewelry
Traditional and contemporary pottery • Stone and clay sculpture
American and Hispanic folk art • Art Furniture
"I learned of this incredible gallery by chance. I found a gorgeous bronze sculpture in my wife's parents' estate and was told it was acquired on one of their trips to New Mexico. After some research online, a friend possibly located both the artist and the gallery. The information he discovered seemed to align with the stories we remembered about this item. Although we are not completely certain we believe the artist is Sherry Sanders and the item was purchased from Wadle Galleries in the late 1980s." Kindred Meyers.
The offerings are enhanced by the warm and inviting ambiance of the gallery and the personal charm, knowledge and ethics of a highly professional staff.
Equal care goes into the art and artists selected. The primary factors in the selection process are quality and reasonable pricing.
Wadle Galleries is the essence of the Santa Fe soul: warmth, vitality and a deep respect for area cultures and the creativity of its people.
The quality of the art offerings, the extraordinary setting and the graciousness of the staff will make a visit to Wadle Galleries a unique and long-remembered experience.
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This important gallery offered a diverse range of high quality representational art
in a pleasant, calm atmosphere.
Some Observations:
I have often wondered what happened to the artists when a gallery such as the Wadle Galleries closes. Recently I was doing some research for a friend who wanted to create an online presence for his art gallery, so his art's work would be exposed both at an online e commerce site and at the brick and morter gallery. As a resource for information about which ecommerce platforms would be best for the gallery, I came across, eCommerce Platforms, appropriately named, that offered great information for the budding online entrepreneur. In addition to reviewing and comparing the best e commerce platforms, they also share tips and solutions to help their visitors succeed online. I enjoy reading their blog posts. They were most helpful in organizing the process of building and maintaining a successful online business.
In addition, I have spent a lot of time looking at other online galleries. I came across KNOX Galleries during my research, and it turns out that Dan Garrett, an artist originally represent at the Wadle Galleries, is now represented here. I was excited to see his current work. I can't say I am impressed by the site's platform: Artist Websites by Fine Art World. It seems dated and old particularly for a site that is show casing artwork. Supposedly Fine Art World provides artists and galleries with easy-to-use eccomerce websites and powerful marketing tools. However, I found issues on the biography page for instance of Dan Garrett that were distracting- sentence breaks for instance. His sculptures, however, are as stunning as ever, but, unfortunately only 4 were shown for his work.
The site that we are building for my friend is going to be more contemporary in feel with large high quality images. Let the artist's work shine, is my mantra.
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Artists Represented |
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Tony Jr Aguilar |
Peter Hurd |
Steve Scott |
SOME OF THE ARTISTS REPRESENTED BY THE WADLE GALLERIES
Dan Garrett
Long recognized for superb renderings of Native Americans, sculptor Dan Garrett's bronze sculptures are the product of years of study to assure historical accuracy.
Price Range $1600 - $2800
Shoshone
121/2" x 9" x 10"
Akicita - The Messenger
26" x 14" x 4"
Walt Doran
Walt Doran is a native Santa Fean considered by most collectors to rank among the very finest silversmiths. He is a master of design and has attained national recognition for his uniquely crafted overlay jewelry.
Price Range $150.00 - $4,500.00
Sterling Silver & Turquoise Pin
Candlesticks, Goblets, Ciborium
Paula Dimit
Paula Dimit is a wood carver; her sculptures possess charm and personalities. Created with craft and love, the resulting works leap into the hearts of collectors. Each piece is named and only becomes available to the gallery after residing with Dimit and being prepared for a departure to the outside world.
Price Range $140.00 - $789.00
Big Mama & Babies
Wood Carving
21" x 17" x 10.5"
Joe Ben Jr
Navajo
Joe Ben, Jr. has long been recognized as the finest of the traditional Navajo sand painters. His offerings are highly spiritual and very finely crafted from hand prepared natural materials. Although he is considered the best at his craft, his pricing remains very reasonable.
Price Range: 575.00 - 2,400.00
Sand Buffalo Never Dies
26.5" x 30"
White & Yellow Corn Harvest
23.5" x 9"
Sherry S. Sander
Sherry Sander has for many years ranked among the nations leading wildlife bronze sculpture artists. She has been widely collected and is a member of many prominent nationally recognized sculpture and art organizations. Her subjects range from North America to Africa and the impressionistic quality of he sculptures render a quality rarely seen in bronzes. Accolades have been many and she is truly one of the treasures among artists portraying wildlife.
Range $1300.00 - $7200.00
Up Spring Creek Canyon
Bronze Ed. of 35
26" x 32" x 12"
The Honey Tree
Bronze Edition of 35
16" x 10" x 7"
William Churchill
Wood sculptor and expert in understanding the characteristics of wood, Churchill has been recognized as a true master. He offers a wide array of subjects ranging from the animal kingdom to Native American figures and the American West. A frequent award winner, Churchill continues to labor to create wood sculptures that rank among the very best.
Price Range $2900.00 - $5900.00
Yesterday
Mahogany & Jelutong
18" x 28" x 8"
Cold North Wind
23" x 19" x 17"
Sticks
Sticks is an organization of artists creating what is considered by many collectors to be the finest art furniture available. Every piece is an original and is the product of the creative imagination of Sticks founder, Sarah Grant Hutchison, and her hand selected design team. She has remained unwavering in her commitment to produce the highest quality pieces of art in the marketplace.
The imagery shown here is only a sampling of the highly ingenious creations of the sticks team of artists.
Price Range: $95.00 - 6,950.00
Navajo
A master stone carver and sculptor, Oreland Joe is heralded as
one of Native America's most important and competent artists. He was selected as the first Native American member of the Cowboy Artists of America and has garnered many accolades in his ascension from humble beginnings to a position of national prominence.
Price Range: $2,500.00 - $30,000.00
Winds of the Night Chant
Tennessee Marble
52" x 12" x 25"
New Life
Utah Alabaster
13" x 12" x 20"
Don Briddell
A wood carver of superb ability, Don Briddell learned his craft from the Ward Brothers, the grand old masters of bird carving. A frequent prize winner at major shows, Don has the ability to combine fine painting with fine carving. His works are true masterpieces.
Price Range: $3,000.00 - 14,500.00
Home Sweet Home
Woodcarving
26" x 31" x 7"
Sandi Clark
Sandi is essentially a bronze figurative sculptor of significant capability offering works from table top to heroic sizes. She also produces a charming collection of animal works. She has been awarded numerous commissions for major works in public places. Sandi’s primary emphasis is children and her works are charming, nicely detailed and often nostalgic. Her works are treasured for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Price Range $300.00 - $30,000.00
Firefly Magic
Ed of 45
38" x 20" x 20"
Viola
Ed. of 45
27" x 16" x 24"
Larry Yazzie
Navajo
Highly regarded Navajo sculptor working in stone and bronze, Larry Yazzie is a featured Santa Fe Indian Market artist and prize winner. His unique contemporary interpretations have gained him a loyal following among collectors of Native American art.
Price Range $2800 - $5800
Prayer
Utah Alabaster
27.5" x 13" x 7"
Between the Far Sacred Mountains
19.5" x 10" x 8"
Ed. of 24
Alice Warder Seely
Price Range: $850 - 1,100
Deer Dancer Mask
Clay
20" x 17"
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Fertility Mask "Harmony"
Clay
30" x 16"
Tablita
Clay
18" x 24"
Lizard Sun Mask
Clay
17" x 15"
More Background on Wadle Galleries
Wadle Galleries served as a cornerstone of Santa Fe’s vibrant art scene for more than three decades. Renowned for its dedication to representational art, local culture, and philanthropy, the gallery left an indelible mark on the city’s creative and social life. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Wadle Galleries—its history, ownership, mission, artistic offerings, personalities, community impact, reputation, and legacy—giving readers a nuanced understanding of what made this institution so significant.
Founding and Vision
The story of Wadle Galleries began in 1981 when Albert Wadle, a former stockbroker with a passion for art and philanthropy, purchased the Blair Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Inspired by a transformative visit to the city, Wadle decided to make Santa Fe his home and renamed the gallery after himself. Wadle brought not only business acumen but also deep integrity and a love for the arts, qualities that shaped the gallery’s culture and policies.
Albert’s wife, Alice Wadle, a talented artist in her own right, played a central role in the gallery’s life. Her insights as an artist and her involvement with the community added authenticity to the gallery’s philosophy. Together, the Wadles created a unique environment focused on quality, fairness, and personal engagement—principles that guided every aspect of the business.
Location and Setting
Wadle Galleries occupied a coveted spot at 128 West Palace Avenue, right in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic downtown arts district. The adobe architecture, infused with local history and the city’s distinctive southwestern charm, provided a warm, welcoming venue to showcase an extraordinary array of art. The gallery’s open hours and personable staff made it a memorable stop for residents and visiting collectors alike.
Artistic Focus and Offerings
Wadle Galleries was especially celebrated for its selection of representational painting and sculpture—fine works that honored form, technique, and narrative. The gallery offered:
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Paintings: Representational works ranging from luminous southwestern landscapes to striking Native American portraits.
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Sculpture: Bronze and stone sculptures, both realistic and impressionistic, reflecting the American West and Native American heritage.
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Jewelry: Pueblo silversmithing, contemporary and traditional pieces, including works from local artisans of national acclaim.
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Pottery: A diverse blend of traditional and contemporary pottery, featuring both Pueblo and modern designers.
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Folk Art and Furniture: American and Hispanic folk art, as well as handcrafted art furniture from collectives such as Sticks, prized for their originality and craftsmanship.
The gallery’s selection process emphasized quality and reasonable pricing, enabling both seasoned collectors and new art enthusiasts to find pieces of lasting value.
Artists Represented
Over the years, Wadle Galleries showcased many esteemed artists. Some of the most notable included:
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Irby Brown: Renowned landscape painter whose luminous canvases captured southwestern light.
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Dan Garrett: Master bronze sculptor, known for historically accurate portrayals of Native Americans.
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Walt Doran: Santa Fe’s acclaimed silversmith, lauded for overlay jewelry and national recognition.
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Paula J. Dimit: Beloved wood carver whose whimsical, named pieces charmed collectors.
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Joe Ben, Jr.: Considered the finest Navajo sand painter of his generation, revered for spiritual, handcrafted works.
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Sherry S. Sander: Nationally collected wildlife bronze sculptor with international subject matter.
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William Churchill: Award-winning wood sculptor, expert in diverse themes from the American West.
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Sticks: A collective offering highly imaginative, handcrafted art furniture.
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Oreland Joe: Celebrated Native American stone carver and the first Native member of the Cowboy Artists of America.
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Sandi Clark: Prolific bronze figurative sculptor, commissioned for major public works.
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Larry Yazzie: Award-winning Navajo sculptor, featured at Santa Fe Indian Market.
The gallery also represented dozens more painters, carvers, ceramicists, and jewelers, reflecting the richness and diversity of southwestern art.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Wadle Galleries was as much a community hub as an art business. Albert Wadle’s philanthropy was legendary in Santa Fe. He was deeply involved with the Santa Fe Community Foundation, where he offered vision and leadership—helping to launch initiatives such as the Circle of Care for healthcare and the Dropout Prevention Fund for education.
Art was a channel for generosity. Wadle often hosted annual art festivals at the gallery with proceeds benefiting local causes. He supported organizations like the Heart and Soul Animal Sanctuary and often gave quietly to individuals facing hardship. Wadle’s speeches and actions inspired the community to “think big” and give back, a legacy that continued long after his passing in 2012.
Gallery Ambience and Philosophy
Visitors remembered Wadle Galleries for its inviting atmosphere and the professionalism of its staff. Beyond the impressive collection, guests were met with warmth, expert knowledge, and sincere interest—qualities instilled by Albert and Alice Wadle. The gallery strove not only to sell art but to share the spirit of Santa Fe, celebrating the area’s vitality, creativity, and cultural roots. This personal touch made visitors’ experiences exceptional and fostered lasting relationships with artists and collectors.
Critical Reception and Customer Reviews
Wadle Galleries maintained a reputation for ethical business practices—promptly paying artists, pricing art fairly, and dealing transparently with buyers. Artists regarded the gallery as a nurturing professional home, citing trust and respect as distinguishing features. Collector testimonials frequently mentioned the staff’s expertise, the gallery’s ambiance, and the diversity and quality of the works on view. Wadle Galleries became an institution that art lovers sought out not just for purchases but for inspiration and connection.
Accolades, Recognition, and Media Coverage
The gallery and its artists accumulated numerous awards and honors. Many represented artists, such as Oreland Joe, achieved national distinction. Features in regional press—especially The New Mexican—patterned the gallery’s journey and Albert Wadle’s multifaceted contributions. The gallery’s events, charitable work, and involvement in Santa Fe’s cultural life secured it a respected place in local media, while collectors nationwide recognized it as a source for collectible western and Native American art.
Legacy and Closure
After decades of success, Wadle Galleries eventually closed its doors, with its website and public notices marking the end of an era. The closure announcement was a poignant moment for artists, staff, and the Santa Fe arts community, many of whom wondered about the broader impact on local talent and art heritage.
Despite its closure, Wadle Galleries’ impact continues to be felt in Santa Fe. Artists who gained visibility at the gallery—such as Dan Garrett—found new representation. The gallery’s philanthropic spirit, commitment to artists, and example of business ethics remain influential in the art world.
Cultural and Social Significance
Wadle Galleries was an essential thread in the cultural fabric of Santa Fe. It brought together collectors, artists, residents, and visitors, providing a crossroads for art, culture, and community-wide giving. The gallery embodied the region’s reverence for creativity and tradition, acting not only as a venue for commerce but as a guardian of artistic and social values.
From its expert selection and diverse offerings to its dedication to philanthropy and community building, Wadle Galleries exemplified what a local institution could achieve when business is fused with heart, cultural awareness, and generosity.
Wadle Galleries stood as a vital force in Santa Fe’s art scene, known for its commitment to quality, fairness, and community. Through its diverse offerings, supportive relationships with artists, philanthropic work, and welcoming spirit, it fostered a distinctive legacy that will be long remembered in the American Southwest. Its influence lingers not only in memories and art collections but in the standards and values it modeled for future generations.
