For over thirty years she has traveled throughout the country documenting life’s events.  Operating marketing, graphic design, photography, web site, and fine art business in three states, with dual offices in diverse communities, her photographs have been exhibited in galleries throughout the country and have appeared in American Cowboy Magazine and Western Horseman magazines.  Tamron Industries, continues to published her western images in their lens manufacturing catalogs and brochures. Her expertise in web site design and development, graphic design, marketing, and photography adds a tremendous asset the Artisans of the Southwest.  Her previous clients include Fort Lewis College Theatre, Tamron Industries (leading lens manufacturer), Hasselblad USA (medium format camera), Pagosa Quality Fishing Project, Western Dairy Council, and a host of artists and businesses in Pagosa Springs and Boulder, Colorado.  Saunders has also served on the board of the Pagosa Art Council and wrote Arts Line for the Pagosa Sun. “After 30 years, I am proud of my evolution into a full circle and back to my BFA in Art (Communication Arts & Design, Virginia Commonwealth University). I have an opportunity to sell not only my art, but offer an opportunity to sell other artist's art.  Artisans of the Southwest goes beyond the typical traditional art gallery; it’s a place to gather with friends, enjoy a glass of wine, meet artisans, see artisans perform their craft, and purchase fine art!  It is an interactive gallery and art experience”, says Saunders.

InTERACTIVE gALLERY SETTING 

Fine artists of all levels treasure a special opportunity to sell and show their fine artwork in a professional gallery setting.  Artisans of the Southwest Gallery boasts a Wine Tasting Room.  The gallery provides an “interactive” setting for both the artisan and patrons.  Artisans are active within the gallery by working a minimum amount of hours in the gallery.  Such an opportunity provides the artisan with instantaneous patron feedback on their work.  Artisans also have demonstrations, artisan talks, and workshops of their work.  Artisans features up to 20 local artisans (4 corners area) and 12 regional artisans (rotating monthly).  The gallery provides artisans with superb marketing strategy through print, media, and various marketing resources. Saunders already has a host of regional artisans who will participate.  An evolution of artisans keeps the gallery aspect fresh and inspired for patrons, states Saunders. 

Adding Wine Tasting is a compliment to the art gallery says Saunders.  Visitors may not even think of walking into an “Art Gallery” may venture into a wine tasting room- and be pleasantly surprised with fine art. Artisans features Colorado wines every day and unique wines from vineyard throughout the country!  Our emphasis is to promote Colorado wines and other wines without having to travel to a vineyard at that moment! You'll experience wines you may never have an opportunity to taste! We encourage patrons to visit the wineries through our daily wine tastings and wine/beer happy hour specials.  Wen visits and hand selects the the vineyards, visiting each vineyard, sharing her experience about the wine, wine maker, and vineyard.  You'll even find several of her photographs throughout the gallery of the vineyards.

Monthly GrapeHEAD wine tasting occurs every 2nd Wednesday of the Month at the gallery from 6-7:30 p.m.  Each month features a wine theme with five or more wine tastings, food tasting, and education about the wines and wine making.  Reservations are suggested by calling 970-264-9969.  Fee $35 per person.

every Sunday (May through December 5), starting at 1pm, the ARTmarket gathers in the Artisans courtyard & parking area. Sunday ARTmarket provides a wonderful afternoon of fun for the entire family including eating, shopping, and viewing artwork.  Each Sunday highlights a variety of artists at all skill levels showing and selling their work in our outside courtyard setting.  Some artists demonstrate their work.  You'll find all types of art from oil, pastel, jewelry, photography, watercolor, and even resale artwork!  Artists are local and regional and change every week! 

Imagine observing an artisan painting in our courtyard while sipping an amazing glass of fine Colorado wine.  A light bistro menu also accompanies the Wine Tasting Room.  Individual Wine Tastings occur daily. Musicians grace the courtyard from time to time.  Experience the artist perfecting their craft in our intimate courtyard.  Weather permitting, QUICK DRAW art by the artist is auctioned on the day the artists is in the courtyard.  A grand opportunity for locals and visitors to see art in progress and purchase!  For the person or group looking for a place to frequent in between lunch and dinner, Artisans promises to provide an ultimate artistic experience- ART-WINE-FOOD-MUSIC!