James Rutherford Santa Fe Art Advisor Curator Gallerist Museum Specialist Charity Auctioneer

convergence & connection in 40+ years of wayfinding in the art world

Professional Experience

2019 to 2022
Nedra Matteucci Galleries,Santa Fe, NM
Associate Director

Cultivates relationships with clients and institution
Conducts significant sales of artwork
Leads tours of gallery and sculpture garden
Performs research and produces written materials for publication
Produces newsletters and social media postings
Maintains gallery database and outside web-based platforms

2018 to 2019
Insitute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Advancement Services Manager

Cultivates relationships with patrons, granting entities and the public
Conceives and implements fundraising strategy and initiatives
Coordinates annual Scholarship Dinner & Auction
Maintains donor database (Raiser’s Edge)
Composes and distributes online communications
Implements IAIA Foundation Board and Board of Trustees strategic plans

2017 to 2018
Allan Houser Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Gallerist, Interpretive Guide

Assists Director and Curator of Collections with all aspects of gallery operations
Cultivates relationships with collectors, artists, museum professionals, and the public
Conducts sales of artwork by Allan Houser in a variety of media
Prepares artworks for display, shipment, and transportation
Installs artwork in gallery, public and private settings and exhibitions
Leads interpretive tours of Allan Houser Compound

2013 to 2016
Chiaroscuro Contemporary Art, Santa Fe, NM
Gallerist, Acting Director

Conducts significant sales of leading contemporary artists
Cultivates relationships with art collectors, museums, consultants and interior designers
Participates in all aspects of gallery operations: creates videos, prepares press and marketing materials, administers social media accounts, performs installations and coordinates shipping and deliveries, handles logistics and hosting for events and programming
Serves as Acting Director 1/16 - 6/16

2014
Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Adjunct Professor

Teaches Arts Organizations class - core curriculum for School of Art & Design - Gallery Management degree
In-depth survey of various types of arts organizations including foundations, public and private collections, arts commissions and non-profit organizations
Focuses on the roles of government funding and private philanthropy in support of the arts as well as organizational structures, funding sources and other issues unique to various types of arts organizations
Provides students with fundamental perspective of arts organizations useful for future career choices

2012 to 2013
New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department, Santa Fe, NM
Web Information & Assistance Coordinator

Plans and implements web-based programs at the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Creates listings and conducts verification of service providers throughout New Mexico on the Social Services Resource Directory (SSRD)
Performs assessments and provides information and referrals via phone, live chat, and in-person
Agency liaison and assistant project manager for statewide Behavioral Health Collaborative
Presents Agency public programs and outreach events
Maintains ADRC relationships with regional Area Agencies on Aging

2009 to 2012
Studio X Inc., Santa Fe, NM
Media Specialist

Project manager for contract with annual budget in excess of $150,000 with City of Santa Fe for creation and maintenance of the Santa Fe Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) website SantaFe.org
- Directs and supervises team implementing specific terms of contract
- Establishes goals and benchmarks to measure internal and external contract deliverables and maintains compliance with contract parameters, guidelines and procedures
- Collaborates with SFCVB staff and contractors to integrate marketing and promotional initiatives and statistical measurement tools into website, social media, and electronic communications
- Secures website traffic averaging more than 2500 unique visits per day and generates regular reporting on website performance
- Maintains and populates YouTube account which has received in excess of 16,900 views
- Posts and responds on Twitter accounts with more than 2000 total followers
- Marketing and communications including sales and creation of ad images and digital video for the web, and deployment of weekly e-blasts to subscriber list of more than 52,000 subscribers and more than 700 business partners
- Writes and implements strategic plans for SFCVB website marketing, SEO, content management, stakeholder participation
- Produces, edits, and curates content for SFCVB website including articles, calendar listings, images and video
- Cultivates relationships with governmental agencies, private businesses, trade groups and various other constituents and stakeholders
- Attends events as program spokesman in public presentations to steward relationship with SFCVB web-based programs and facilitate participation
- Assembles and disseminates regular statistical reporting to SFCVB staff, partners, and clients
- Generates regular reports and posts SFCVB activity entries using Google Analytics, Litmus, and other web analysis applications
- Performs regular website updates for SFCVB website using content management system Gossamer Links and FTP
Collaborates with Studio X team members to deliver web services to more than 180 private clients including website design and maintenance, e-commerce, web hosting and domain registration, digital video and photography, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media.
Coordinates and participates in strategic planning, systems analysis, team building activities and events
Collects and analyzes data; performs evaluations of operations and services
Works regularly with standard office, design video and audio editing software including PhotoShop, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Dreamweaver, Adobe Acrobat, Audacity and iMovie as well as various third-party and open-source programs and services such as Open Office, Hootsuite, Google Docs, Google Calendars, Constant Contact, MailChimp, Litmus, Transmit, and Handbrake, among others
Works regularly with digital video and still cameras and maintains extensive digital photography and video libraries
Maintains website directory listings on SantaFe.net for the purpose of increasing participant’s search engine ranking and exposure across the web

2000 to present
STUDIOPASSPORT, Nashville, TN & Santa Fe, NM
Founder and Principal

Curator and project manager for exhibition PREcognition / REcognition: Still Photographs from Godfrey Reggio's Film VISITORS", Santa Fe Community College Fine Arts Gallery in 2000; oversees all logistics including production of exhibition prints and framing; co-hosts opening reception, administers Kickstarter crowdfunding campaing; secures donation of all works to SFCC permanent collection
Cultivates client relationships with artists, collectors, galleries institutions, and governmental entities
Provides consulting services related to art acquisitions and sales
Curator and project manager for exhibition Ron Adams, Master Printer: A Survey of Work, 1984-1999, Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery in 2000; negotiates exhibition travel and oversees all logistics; hosts private events for donors, collectors and art professionals; conducts significant sales and hosts reception of area art professionals and the media
Co-produces A Starry Night concert in 2003 featuring Kim Carnes, Gretchen Peters, Suzy Bogguss, Greg Barnhill and Baily and the Boys benefiting Father Ryan High School, Nashville, TN; creates and distributes publicity and marketing materials; designs and produces event invitations; coordinates faculty, staff and student participation; conducts ticket sales and secures significant media coverage
Guest curator, project manager and co-producer of exhibition Tony Price / Atomic Art: Swords Into Plowshares, presented at NM Museum of Art, Santa Fe in 2004, and the United Nations in New York City in 2005; secures sponsor funding exceeding $40,000 from NM Legislature and private and foundation sources; oversees budget and compliance with requirements of State appropriation; writes and distributes press and marketing materials including press release, announcements, posters, videos, print, broadcast and web advertisements resulting in significant media impressions; co-produces UN opening event featuring performances by Philip Glass and Patti Smith
Guest curator and project manager of exhibitionSeeing it Her Way: the Artistic Journey of Edwina Hawley Milner, presented at McCray Gallery at Western New Mexico University, Silver City in 2018
Negotiates exhibition agreements and prepares contracts with host venues and vendors
Designs, creates and maintains websites for artists, galleries, businesses, institutions and individuals including: edwinamilner.com, bobhaozous.com, rogermiller.com, rogermillermuseum.com, tomrutherford.com, lisacoddington.com, kimcarnes.com, tonypriceatomicartist.com
Conducts tours of artist studios, museums and cultural sites for groups, collectors and individuals
Creates and markets fine art photographic prints
Creates on-demand products and establishes and maintains online marketplace at
zazzle.com/studiopassport and zazzle.com/newartsweb

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2000 to 2009
Roger Miller Music, Inc., Nashville, TN
Deputy Director

Conceives concept and develops plans to establish the Roger Miller Museum in Erick, Oklahoma honoring the late singer/songwriter
Develops annual benefit concert and other fundraising activities
Cultivates relationships within local community and facilitates creation of Board of Trustees
Collaborates with Board on developing and implementing long-range strategic plan
Writes materials and supervises successful process for obtaining 501(c)3 non-profit status
Raises funds to purchase Museum building; designs and oversees interior renovations
Creates and distributes Museum communications including press releases, publicity materials, print and broadcast advertising
Inventories and creates archives of artist’s music, personal effects, memorabilia, and photographs; designs and creates museum exhibits
Negotiates contracts and agreements with contractors, vendors and performers
Establishes gift shop and researches and produces inventory
Organizes and leads Board retreats in Santa Fe, NM and Nashville, TN

1998 to 2000
Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, TN
Assistant Director of Special Projects

Conducts regular meetings with museum staff to plan and coordinate logistics for special exhibitions and events and assists in developing museum strategic plans and policies
Responds to requests for information from other governmental agencies, the public and the media
Acts as administrative officer for planning and implementation of TN State Museum Foundation fundraising projects including: creation and marketing of limited edition artworks, and presentation of art exhibitions and events
Ensures compliance with pertinent State statutes, rules, regulations and guidelines
Creates Collector’s Club in collaboration with TN State Museum Foundation
Organizes, creates curriculum and leads Y2K in Santa Fe membership tour of artist studios, museums, galleries and cultural sites
Serves on host and planning committees of TN State Museum Foundation primary annual fundraising event The Tennessee Waltz at the Tennessee State Capitol
Recruits, interviews and supervises staff and volunteers
Prepares operations and procedures materials
Collects and analyzes data; performs evaluations of operations and programming
Cultivates relationships among corporate and private donors and patrons and solicits financial and in-kind support for Museum programs and exhibitions
Represents Museum in media and addresses organizations regarding programming and other related subjects
Advances Museum mission as member of civic and business organizations
Project manager and curator of Museum Outreach programs and exhibitions in Tennessee Performing Arts Center and other venues
Conducts scholarly research, prepares label, signage and catalog text
Art coordinator for traveling exhibition Red Grooms: Selections From The Graphic Works; serves as Museum liaison with exhibition donor and guest curator; creates marketing, catalog, and educational materials; initiates communications, and negotiates agreements and prepares contracts with museum venues
Organizes TN State Museum exhibition by teenage prodigy Alexandra Nechita; co-produces opening events and conducts significant marketing and sales of artworks benefiting TN State Museum Foundation

1992 to 1996
Copeland / Rutherford Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Co-Founder / Director

Administers operations at 1200 square foot gallery and ¼ acre sculpture garden presenting numerous exhibitions, cultural, charitable and political events annually
Develops clientele and conducts significant sales of artwork and services to individuals, businesses, museums and other institutions; negotiates and prepares contracts and agreements
Hires, trains and supervises employees and contractors; conducts evaluations of their work
Develops mission statement and long-range business plan
Writes and distributes press releases and other promotional materials; researches and creates specific marketing materials; prepared copy and artwork and secures placement for advertising; develops and maintains relationships with the media, advertising vendors and other professionals
Conducts scholarly research for catalogs, newsletters and brochures; writes or contributes to various articles and publications
Creates and administers bookkeeping, budgeting, accounting, auditing, purchasing, cash management and inventory systems; develops procedures for gallery operations
Prepares reports and statements for business partner, clients, artists and employees; maintains records and related files
Prepares operations and procedures materials
Prepares grants and proposals for public artworks and private commissions
Presents lectures and participates in public forums; maintains significant community and media presence
Prepares artwork for display, transportation, shipping and installation
Coordinates publication and marketing of several lithographs and etchings
Renovates historic building and establishesTurtleback Gallery in Truth or Consequences, NM as a side venture.

1986 to 1992
Governor's Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Director

Curates and organizes more than 50 exhibitions including: Contemporary Native American Artists: Bob Haozous, Jacquie Stevens, Randy Lee White, Norman Akers, David Bradley, Imogene Goodshot Arquero, Tom Coffin, James Havard, Michael McCabe, Darren Vigil-Gray, Marcus Amerman, Doug Coffin, Ramona Sakiestewa, Bill Soza - 1986; Traditions and Transitions: Eight Master Weavers – 1987; Native American Sculptors Van Paquin, Bob Garcia, Cliff Fragua, Doug Hyde, Fay Quandelacy, Fred Gonyea, Tim Nicola, Robert Shorty, Bill Prokopioff, Darlene Loretto, Rollie Grandbois, Dennis Christy, Gordon Van Wert, Arden Hosetosavit, Bruce LaFountain, Presley LaFountain, Jo DeCelles – 1987; New Mexico Collects Gorman – 1988; Dreams Never Sleep: Phillip C. Loretto and Sculpture by Darlene Keams Loretto – 1988; Dan Namingha: Recent Paintings & Works on Paper – 1989;
Organizes statewide traveling exhibits including: Printmaking in New Mexico: A Native American Perspective - 10 Native American artists under 40 – Dan Namingha, Darren Vigil-Gray, Bob Haozous, Bobbi Emerson Kittsman, Linda Lomahaftewa, Jean LaMarr, David Bradley, Gina Gray, Michael McCabe, Erwin Printup – Stables Art Center, Taos 1990
Administrative officer responsible for ensuring compliance with pertinent State statutes, rules, regulations and guidelines
Negotiates exhibition agreements and prepares contracts
Collects and analyzes data; performs evaluations of operations and programming
Conducts studio and site visits, attends conferences and seminars, and conducts scholarly research to develop broad knowledge of art and artists, and professional best practices
Designs and prepares appropriate label text and exhibition materials and signage
Develops policies and procedures for ongoing outdoor sculpture displays on Capitol grounds in conjunction with Legislative Council Service
Creates sculpture garden and curates exhibitions at NM Arts Division including works by George Rivera and Bob Haozous, among others
Develops and administers statewide in-loan program at Governor’s offices and residence and select State offices
Serves as Executive’s liaison and project manager with NM Arts Division for annual Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts awards; curates exhibition and plans and coordinates awards ceremonies and events; supervises staff and volunteers; negotiates agreements and prepare contracts with lenders and vendors
Develops and maintains significant statewide media presence; produces and distributes press release and promotional materials
Represents and advises Executive branch on arts issues; prepares speeches and policy statements for Governor, First Lady, and Cabinet Secretaries; creates arts advocacy dialogue among various State and Municipal agencies and the private sector
Identifies and recruits members for public art “peer panels” for selection of artworks for 1% for Art purchases; makes recommendations to NM Legislature for creation of Capitol Art Foundation, its mission, bylaws and procedures
Participates in implementation of inter-agency “management-by-objective” initiative and conducts periodic review of program activities
Develops concept and serves as project manager and co-curator for Southwestern Realism: A New Mexico Tradition exhibition and sale benefiting Museum of New Mexico Foundation; secures corporate sponsorship (net proceeds exceed $225,000); exhibition artists include: William Acheff, James Asher, Glenna Goodacre, Roy Grinnell, Allan Houser, Wilson Hurley, Harvey Johnson, James Kramer, Dave McGary, Gary Morton, William Moyers, Gary Niblett, Morris Rippel, Gordon Snidow, Bettina Steinke, Paul Strisik, Wayne Wolfe
Initiates and finalizes negotiations to sendSouthwestern Realism: A New Mexico Tradition exhibit to Taiwan National Museum; leads Governor’s delegation to opening in Taiwan
Creates Month-of-Sculpture statewide arts events; generates significant regional and national media coverage; organizes follow-up Mile-of-Sculpture displays in Santa Fe
Establishes, recruits, and supervises student internships with Institute of American Indian Arts
Organizes public programs, conducts tours, recruits and supervises volunteers
Prepares operations and procedures materials
Click here to view overview of exhibitions >>

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Previous Professional Experience

1982 to 1985
Independent Curator and Consultant, Santa Fe, NM, New York, NY
Organizes and co-curates Space X exhibitions at the Armory for the Arts and various other exhibitions. Serves as co-curator and gallery director for Atomic Art Gallery featuring the work of Tony Price in NYC. Secures venue for public sculpture display in Battery Park. Hosts screening of "Atomic Artist" documentary benefiting the Film Fund. Contract sales consultant for Dyansen Gallery, NYC. Negotiates agreements and prepares contracts with venues, artists and vendors. Conduct sales of artwork and provides services to collectors, artists and businesses.

1980 to 1982
Contemporary Installations, Los Angeles, CA
Creates art installation and transportation business. Supervises teams providing services to galleries, collectors, artists and institutions. Creates and administers strategic business plan and budgets. Clients include Lonny Gans & Associates, Margo Leavin Gallery, Mirage Editions, Gemining G.E.L., Linda Farris Gallery, Kirk deGooyer Gallery, Rosamund Felsen Gallery, Pace Gallery, Elaine Horwich Gallery, Roy Boyd Gallery, Cirrus Gallery, Jan Baum Gallery, Asher Faure Gallery, Dubins Gallery, James Corcoran Gallery, Larry Gagosian, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery - Barnsdall Park, among others.

1977
World Balloon Corporation, Albuquerque, NM
Hot air balloon pilot and crew at events and competitions throughout U.S. for clients including Anheiser Busch and others. Competes in National Balloon Championships as co-pilot and participates in world record setting tethered balloon flight at Six Flags in Atlanta.

Volunteer, Foundation, Non-Profit, Advocacy

1982 - 2022
Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Community Volunteer
Serves on benefit dinner and auction committee 2010 - 2017 – develops event themes and strategy; cultivates relationships with donors and patrons; solicits sponsorships, artwork and in-kind donations; assists with event set-up and auction; reviews promotional materials and publicity; photographs auction artwork; participates in post-event reviews; Organizes, publicizes and hosts 1992 IAIA Alumni Exhibition at Copeland/Rutherford Fine Arts; Assists Chuck Daily with exhibition installations 1982, 1983.

2014 - 2022
Cancer Foundation of Northern New Mexico
Auctioneer – Sweetheart Ball

2018
Lightning Boy Foundation
Auctioneer – annual benefit dinner and auction

2017
Spanish Colonial Arts Society
Auctioneer – annual benefit dinner and auction

2016
NM Museum of Art
Volunteer in curatorial department

2015 - 2016
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps.
Auctioneer – annual benefit dinner and auction

2015 - 2017
Santa Fe Girls School
Auctioneer – annual benefit dinner and auction

2015
Cooking with Kids
Auctioneer – annual donor event – Santa Fe School of Cooking

2015
Girls Inc.
Auctioneer – “We’re in Their Corner” fundraiser – La Fonda Hotel

2013
Red River Visitors Bureau
Auctioneer – Community Fund benefit auction and banquet

2013
International Folk Art Market
Community Volunteer – public address announcer / entertainment stage

2011 - 2012
Tourism Association of New Mexico
Auctioneer – benefit auction and banquet – Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Las Cruces (2011) and Taos (2012). Industry awards review panel (2012).

2009
Go Native Arts
Auctioneer – benefit auction, fashion show and presentation – Allan Houser Studio & Sculpture Garden 2009

1999 - 2003
Cheekwood Museum, Nashville, TN
Museum of Art Committee
Provides assistance to build new facilities and expand collection; Reviews staff recommendations regarding programming and acquisitions; Develops and implements membership drive; Cultivates relationships with donors, patrons, and artists; Represents Museum of Art Committee at public and private events.

1999
Tennessee State Museum Foundation
Tennessee Waltz Gentleman's Committee - one of the host committees for annual fundraising event at TN State Capitol. Solicits event sponsorship.

1992 - 1994
Capitol Art Foundation, Santa Fe, NM
Board of Directors (Legislative Appointee)
Establishes and implements policies and procedures for development and maintenance of permanent art collection at State Capitol; Treasurer in 1993 & 1994; Develops and implements successful fundraising programs including initiatives for production and marketing of limited edition sculptures by Glenna Goodacre, Allan Houser, and Dan Namingha (generating proceeds in excess of $300,000); Negotiates annual legislative appropriations (secures additional funding in excess of $50,000 per year); Prepares regular reports for Legislative Council Service and ensures compliance with pertinent State statutes, rules and regulations. Cultivates relationships with donors and patrons; Prepares and administers successful grant proposals; Completes acquisition of significant number of artworks (current collection valued at over $6,000,000); Supervises and reviews work of collection curator; Obtains venues for rotating exhibitions inside and on Capitol grounds.

1994 - 1995
Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM
Board of Directors (Gubernatorial Appointee)
Initiates processes for site acquisition and review of architectural design; Oversees and reviews staff development of criteria for facility design; Negotiates relationship with Hispanic Culture Foundation for organizational development.

1990 - 1995
Friends of Tibet New Mexico, Santa Fe, NM
Board of Directors (Founding Member)
Establishes membership organization to raise awareness of Tibetan culture and socio-political conditions, and to assist Tibetan refugees; Initiates planning and implementation of Board development strategies. Cultivates relationships among patrons, donors and volunteers; Serves on executive committee responsible for planning, fundraising and publicity for the Dalai Lama’s 1991 visit to Santa Fe; Acts as Board liaison with the Dalai Lama’s staff and representatives; Co-produces 1990 fundraising concert featuring Philip Glass and Terry Allen; Supervises staff and volunteers during pre-visit events and planning, and throughout 5-day visit; Co-produces live satellite broadcast and video of public talk reaching an audience estimated at 4-6 million viewers throughout the U.S. and Canada; Organizes event with tribal leaders and the Dalai Lama at Santa Fe Indian School and private meeting with Hopi elders; Organizes event at Sol y Sombre for political leaders and public officials attended by entire NM Congressional delegation and Governor; Organizes and delivers opening remarks at public talk at UNM Popejoy Hall. Co-hosts numerous visits by Tibetan monks, artists, performers, and other dignitaries; Leads delegation on 1991 fact-finding mission to India and Nepal visiting refugee camps, cultural sites and various individuals; Represents membership in meeting with the Dalai Lama at his private residence next to headquarters of Tibetan Government in Exile in Dharamsala, India; Assists Tibetan Resettlement Project’s efforts to aid recently arrived Tibetans in New Mexico.

1988 - 1991
TENGAM, Santa Fe, NM
Board of Directors (Founding Member)
Establishes and maintains non-profit exhibition space dedicated to raising consciousness regarding nuclear weapons; Maintains ongoing installation of Atomic Art collection; Creates and implements various fundraising programs and events. Prepares successful grant proposals; Recruits and supervises work-study position for St. John’s College student; Engages in ongoing promotional activities and obtains significant local, regional, national and international media coverage; Negotiates and installs long-term exhibition at Biosphere 2 in Oracle, AZ.

1988 - 1989
New Mexico Megavision, Santa Fe, NM
Board of Directors (Founding Member)
Co-produces 1988 Santa Fe participation in Music and Peace: A Concert to Celebrate Global Community worldwide concert at NM State Capitol via “space bridge” satellite uplink to 120 nations; Organizes and publicizes 1989 Santa Fe presentation of Glasnost Film Festival, coordinated by Citizen Exchange Council in New York; local partners include Santa Fe Council on International Relations, Santa Fe / Bukara Sister City Project, TENGAM Inc., Futures for Children, and Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety.

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Selected Publications

Voices in New Mexico Art – collection of essays / interviews
Allan Houser interview included
© 1996 Museum of New Mexico

Selected Media

Striking a balance in the Governor’s Gallery - Santa Fe New Mexican

L.A Shake Hands With Santa Fe – Albuquerque Journal

Artful Politics - Southwest Art

10 Who Made A Difference - Santa Fe New Mexican

The Dalai Lama's Ski Trip: What I learned in the slush with His Holiness - Slate

View Additional Media >>

Education and Training

Institute of American Indian Arts 2016 - 2017
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Museum Studies

Santa Fe Community College 2012 - 2016
Associate in Applied Arts - Gallery Management

Kaplan Professional Schools 2010
Real estate licensure courses – Real Estate Associate Broker License 46532

New Horizons Computer Learning Center 2003 - 2005
Classes in PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, Flash, HTML

Pecos River Learning Center 1990
Business Leadership Training Course

University of New Mexico 1978 - 1979
Undergraduate coursework

FAA Student Pilot Certificate / Free Balloons Only 1974 -1978
Logged in excess of 40 hours of flight time

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