ARTISAN MISSION STATEMENT
Through collaboration and mentoring by our seasoned artist professionals and employees, we are cultivating the next generation of Artists! We provide quality products and service to both our fine Artists and student Artists while making Artisan a great place to work and shop.
Vision Statement:
To support Artists in achieving success with their creative endeavors!
Artisan is a proud member of
MEET THE ARTISAN OWNERS
Artisan/Santa Fe was founded in 1975 and Paul and Diane met in 1985, a few months after Paul began working at Artisan/Santa Fe. After a career in engineering, teaching and data analysis, Diane joined Paul in the business in 2024 as the majority owner. They love their family dearly: Michael, the Chief Operations Officer of Artisan/Santa Fe, Dr. RayLee, MD, (Neurology) and Dr. Eliana, MD, (Family Medicine/OBGYN).
“We are committed to our Children and Grandchildren, our Staff and Customers, and strive to make Artisan/Santa Fe a great place to work. Join us in being great community partners!”
Curious about what goes on at Artisan?
ARTISAN HISTORY
Over 50 years of supporting artists of every level of experience, throughout the southwest.
1975: Bill Banta and Jack Young moved to Santa Fe from Houston, TX and opened their first store on historic Canyon Road.
1985: Paul Bell was hired.
1989: Artisan’s second store opened in Albuquerque near UNM.
1994: Artisan co-founder Bill Banta died suddenly. His partner, Jack Young sold 49% of the business to Paul Bell, and two other partners.
2000: The first Biennial Artists’ Material Expo was successfully held at Sweeney Center in Santa Fe.
2001: The 2nd Santa Fe store opened on 2601 Cerrillos Road. Co-founders Jack Young and Bill Banta (posthumously) were inducted into the National Art Materials Association Hall of Fame.
2003: Jack Young passed away and Paul and 3 other partners took over the management of the company.
2005: The original store on Canyon Road was closed and an offsite facility was purchased to handle the receiving of shipments and custom canvas stretching.
2015: Artisan Santa Fe celebrated its 40th Anniversary with giveaways, prizes and a parking lot party!!
2015: Artisan was proud to accept the “2016 Community Advocacy for Art Education Award” for its contribution to New Mexico Schools, from the New Mexico Art Education Association. The award was for Artisan’s support for artists of all levels, such as their Art Educators Appreciation night, the annual Budding Artist program and Artisan’s involvement in donation of supplies and awards to New Mexico schools.
2023: The Albuquerque store was sold.
2024: Paul’s wife, Diane Otero-Bell, joined Artisan as the majority owner.
2024: Paul and Diane bought out the other partners to become Artisan’s sole owners.