We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Tough and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always taken a fair amount of risks, even when I was really young, and have been adventurous in general. With the risks, there have been plenty of mistakes, but also rewards. I believe we can’t learn and improve without risk and mistakes. Owning an art gallery is a massive risk in and of itself and not for the faint of heart. One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was buying an old, run down office building that we transformed into rent-by-the-week studio spaces for self-directed residencies, hosting workshops and rotating gallery exhibitions. It was risky primarily because it was a new concept, and we are funding it out of pocket with our life savings. Our space was a creation based on artist input and changes in the art market, and so far, it’s going better than expected. We love meeting new artists each week, connecting with Santa Fe locals, and tweaking our business to better serve artists.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I opened my first art gallery in the Bay Area in February 2017, and I now own and operate Jen Tough Gallery and AIR Studios Santa Fe. AIR (Artists in Residence) Studios is a unique concept because we rent out art studios to artists by the week who want to have a self-directed residency in Santa Fe—a place where artists have been flocking to for over 100 years. We offer light-filled studio spaces, kitchen, indoor and outdoor lounging spaces, workshops and other art-related events in our beautiful Adobe style facility just on the outskirts of Santa Fe.

I had the concept for the business years ago, but I knew I would have to purchase a building to do it. I could not afford to purchase property for several years, and had had a negative experience renting previously. Three and a half years after I had to close my Santa Fe brick and mortar gallery due to Covid, I found an old, neglected office building that was perfect—and I could afford. We spent the next seven months remodeling it. It was both exciting and terrifying (it still is, honestly!) but the space is beautiful and people love it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Santa Fe is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the US, and one of the reasons artists have been coming here for over 100 years. Site Santa Fe, the Railyard, the new Vladem Contemporary, the Folk Art Museum and a variety of unique galleries would be on my list, along with dining at Santa Cafe, Harry’s Roadhouse or The Compound. Of course my favorite place to be is our facility, where we often host private art events with craft cocktails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Todd Hemsley, for his partnership and encouragement, my dearest old friend Drew Carey, who has always been an inspiration on how to succeed through persistence, kindness and hard work.

Website: www.JenTough.com

Instagram: @JenToughGallery

Linkedin: Jen Tough

Facebook: @JenToughGallery

Image Credits
Describe the Fauna

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