Meet Jane Hamilton | Owner / Director Jane Hamilton Fine Art

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

Hi Jane, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was called to my vocation spiritually, through a prayer that I prayed over 40 years ago. I began selling fine art in Taos New Mexico. After relocating to Arizona in the mid 80’s I continued working for galleries and began selling as an independent agent in Tucson and southern Arizona. I was feeling lead to open my own gallery in the early 1990’s but was dissuaded by my Dad, who was afaid I would fail. But, after he passed away in 1992 I was influence and challenged by a great family counselor Emil Brunnelle to take the chance. The fact that I had no money to speak of, and was a single Mom with 4 children to raise, did not stop the desire to reach for my dream. So,I went on a 10 fast, paid a deposit for holding a tiny space in Historic Bisbee, Az. and prayed and prayed…And,I had a total peace about it. Then I got my kids on board by dicussing the possibility with them. I said “You will all leave me someday “. They wanted to know, ‘where are we going to go ?” I said, ‘well, you are all going to grow up. Maybe go to college, join the army, get married and move away.” Sadly, and it comes too soon…. But, I told them, “I am going nowhere.I will never leave you.” So, “while we do this dance together, what do you think about me starting my own gallery ?” Amy asked, ‘how much money do we have ?” No secrets in single Mom families. So,I said, “$400.00” ( Correct decimal points here ). She tells the others, “WOW ! Mom has $400. She’s Rich !” Only with small children could you get this kind of enthusiasm. Any sane adult would talk you out of this in 5 minutes, Infact, I would talk you out of it myself ! But with this inner peace and their support ,we began a journey that would take us and then me, for over 30 years to celebrating the success of Jane Hamilton Fine Art. Now located in the beautiful Catalina foothills of Tucson, Az. And, if I’m asked by young people about work or career dilemmas I say”why don’t you pray about it ?” I did. I thank God everyday for my success in the most unlikely business success story I know. Mine.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is a people business. You have to really love and appreciate all types of people for the art business. Sometimes the artists are bit eccentric, and sometimes the collectors can be fussy, but you have to embrace humanity when you enter art galleries. My gallery represents a wide range of art from traditional, contemporary, southwestern and abstract in paintings , sculpture and glass. We literally have something for everyone who is looking to fill a big wall or a skinny niche. We also need to be flexible. Because we are in Arizona in the land of sun, we started displaying and selling many outside pieces for walls and display in courtyards, entrances ,or by the pool. We display these outside to show show how they look against an outside wall or in the sunlight.

I have learned to never give up. I didn’t even close my doors during COVID. I thought why should I lose my business over this ? So, we stayed open, did a lot of phone and email soliciting, and I prayed weekly along with a few of my artists…. and we are still here. It’s kind of a miracle that I succeeded in the first place, so I am grateful and thankful. I’m glad that my vocation is filled with color and beauty, and where people are generally happy when I work with them.
Whether its a remodel, a new resident, or traveler just discovering Tucson, I am happy to greet people who love art and appreciate my taste in choosing those artists that I represent. A nice compliment of my gallery is always wonderful to hear. Most important is my small role in helping to keep the culture alive…..

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
it would depend on who it was ? Tucson is a big city. If they were outdoor types, I might suggest they go to Sabino Canyon or Catalina State Park where they could hike. They might want to see the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum if they are interested in desert creatures or the Reid Park Zoo. I am not interested in these things so I would send them alone. The Tucson Museum of Art is downtown, so I might suggest a visit there. I would take them there and to a few of my favorite galleries like Settler’s West , Sanders Gallery, or Medicine Man Gallery. For a happy hour or gourmet snack, I would go to the “Terraza” at Hacienda Del Sol ( a lovely historic Hotel resort- that was a private girls boarding school from 1929- 59 ). I would take them to the Wild Garlic Grill where Chef Steve Schultz creates beautiful gourmet foods. I would also go to Guiseppes where their Eggplant Parmesan is my favorite. Or, for vegetarians Saffron’s Indian food is spicy and delicious. I would go to the St Pillips Plaza for a choice of 3 restaurants facing an outside courtyard, where live music is played nightly. I would look for where the Sheryl Ann Mc Kinnley Quartet is playing, and take them there. If they were adventurous I would wisk them off to Bisbee for a day. The lovely historic town was where I started my business in 1992, and still holds great memories for me. An eclectic mix of artists, musicians and avant guard types, fill the turn of the century Victorian buildings. Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum is a r
“rock hounds” dream and a Smothsonian rural affliate to boot .Cafe Roka on Main Street has great Italian food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost would be my now grown children Sarah, Amy Rebecca and Joseph. They stood besides me as kids, They had to help a hand at receptions , hanging art, and other tasks. Sometimes they “gallery sat ” for me while I ran errands. Next my mentor and family counselor Emil Brunelle Sr. who gave me a big nudge and push to launch this tiny boat offshore. My Gallery helpers and “gallery sitters “. In the beginning….Roma Archambault, Anne Nichols, Dolores Bankston, all now sadly gone and missed and later…. Sherry Henderson, Joseph Zamudio, Sarah Hamilton, Pam Beamish.

Probably most of all I appreciate the love and support of Tom Murray. who is my now husband and was with me from the very 1st day over 30 years ago. An outstanding artist in his own right, he was 1st a gallery friend & artist. He helped me hang art, pack, ship, and moved me several of times – both the gallery and our house. After moving to Tucson, it became clear that we needed an internet website and presence. He bought an Apple computer , taught himself website creation along with various graphic design skills. He made ads for publications, signs, banners, postcards, logos and all kinds of uses. We have always worked well together in our long time gallery friendship, and now our marriage. I am blessed to call him my best friend and greatest supporter in my success these last 30 years.

Website: https://www.janehamiltonfineart.com

Instagram: janehamiltonfineart

Facebook: Jane Hamilton Fine Art

Other: phone number 520-529-4886 We actually answer the phone in our brick and mortar gallery. email address janehamiltonfineart@comcast.net

Image Credits
photos by Tom Murray