True West Takes Up Where Packard’s Left Off
R
emember Packard’s? The iconic store that lived on the plaza from 1944 to 2013 and was known not only for the quality of its Native American art and jewelry, but also for the integrity with which it handled business? Good news! True West, which opened in December of 2014, has taken over Packard’s legacy, carrying many of the same artists and upholding the business integrity between customers and artists for which Packard’s was known. Just up from the plaza on Lincoln Avenue near Marcy Street, the airy new True West gallery hosts a large array of authentic Native American traditional and
contemporary jewelry, pottery, weavings, carvings, sculpture and art. Owners Craig Allen and Lisa Sheridan were formerly associated with Packard’s as managers. “We’re carrying on the torch,” says Sheridan. “Packard’s legacy as a destination store was because of their honesty, the quality of merchandise, and the longstanding trust among artists and customers. In the two years since they retired, nobody has really filled the void.” True West’s official Grand opening was March 14, 2015. The gallery represents approximately 125 artists, and quite a few are carryover from Packard’s.
“Packard’s was a longstanding and trusted source,” reflects Allen. “We experienced it firsthand; Lisa was part of their management team for seven years, and I came in toward the end.” Of the many artists True West represents, the majority are Native American. “There were a few artists we sought out because we knew about their good quality. We’ve had a lot of artists seek us out because they’ve heard how we’re operating and many of our artists have been referred by other artists. We sit down, look at their work and see if they’re a fit,” Allen explains. He continues: “We have had nothing but
positive feedback from our customers. Everybody likes our wide selection and they like that price-wise, we have something for everybody, and we have merchandise from $25 to $85,000. A lot of people have been amazed to see so many well known artists in one place. We have some of the best quality available, and at a fair price.”
handle is natural, and if it’s stabilized we disclose that to the prospective buyer.”
Several of the jewelry pieces at True West are considered vintage, meaning they date as early as 1920. Then of course there are modern and contemporary pieces by such noted names as Doug Coffin, Rhett Lynch, Lawrence Baca, Jennifer Jesse Smith and Fritz Casuse.
Lisa reflects on True West’s quick growth: “I hear from customer after customer when they find out who we are and how we got here that they’re thrilled because no one filled the void that Packard’s closing created until now. People say it feels like Packard’s felt. There’s a good vibe. That’s been very rewarding.”
Allen and Sheridan are meticulous about discovering if the stones in the jewelry they carry are natural, stabilized or block. “We don’t carry any block turquoise,” Allen says. “About 95 percent of what we
Though True West hasn’t even been opea year, they’ve already been accepted into the Gallery Association and Downtown Merchants’ Association. Typically membership takes a pedigree in business for quite a few years
True West Santa Fe 130 Lincoln Avenue 505.982.0055 Truewestsf.com
PHOTO LEFT AND INSIDE OF THE STORE TOP RIGHT BY KARA DUVAL