Their gallery sits below the bell tower among the sycamore trees where his wildlife sculptures are displayed throughout since its inception in 2010. Additionally, they represent 17 southwestern artists in both contemporary and traditional artwork which include paintings, jewelry and sculpture.
“I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it. This has been a dream come true for me, because, you know, as a young kid, I grew up with my mother painting and drawing — then I get into sculpting,” Rowe said. “And to think that here I was born and raised in Phoenix, I would come to Sedona and look at artists working in Tlaquepaque 40 years ago, and here I am now one of the artists that work in Tlaquepaque. I think that [Rowe Gallery of Fine Art] is an interactive gallery because this works as a studio for me and any of the artists that we represent. And, if the saying is true — that you sell the experience as well as the artwork. We sell the experience here, too.”
Rowe said that in his formative years, he took a college course to see if he could succeed in sculpture or if he had a knack for it. “It was one of those golden moments in your life where God just says, “this is what you're doing. You've just discovered what you're going to do the rest of your life,” and just like that — Bing, it was just that instant. I was light on my feet. It just was an amazing thing.
Whether that moment was a divine intervention, as Rowe explains, it is his reverence for wildlife and nature that is sacred. “My reverence for nature makes me believe in God. It's what grounds all of us, you know … I want to share my experiences because they're so profound to me and tell these stories.”
Rowe’s gallery space is also his studio, where you will find him working on his sculptures, sharing stories and interacting with gallery guests. Currently, he is sculpting Luke, an owl, who resides close-by at the Running W Wildlife Center in Cornville, AZ.
“Running W is a fabulous facility, and they take care of great care of their animals. They brought Luke here to the gallery. I can tell you that we have had wolves, bobcats, foxes, lots of birds of prey. So, you never know what you're going to find here,” Rowe said.
Rowe has sculpted a multitude of animal species in the wild. Deer, elk, bison, wolves, bears, owls, javelinas, mountain lions and bighorn sheep to name a few. His favorite is the grizzly bear. “Well, I have to say for sure [my favorite] are bears, because I've had so much great interaction with them and the privilege of being able to work with some of the grizzly bears. There's nothing more awe-inspiring than handling something like that,” Rowe explains, reveling in the moment.
Spending time in the wilderness is a huge part of Rowe’s life. Not only is it a place for his artistic escapism, he also is an avid mountain biker, who makes sure that he practices the etiquette of ‘Leave No Trace.’
“I see such an impact from everybody like me that loves this area. We could actually love it to death if we're not careful,” Rowe said. “And so, when it comes to mountain biking, you know, the guys I ride with are very likeminded. They pick up trash, we stop for every little bit of trash, you get the trash. We don't bust the crust, as they say. And, what's interesting for me being a wildlife fanatic, I know some of these areas that have been intruded upon by hikers and cyclists that used to be prime bedding areas or feeding areas for animals. So, I don't want to go beyond those what we've already pushed the animals to their limits, I think in terms of some of their habitats. I always think of that whenever we ride. We have to respect the animals that are there. They're trying to make a living out there - they were there first.”
In addition to Rowe, his gallery includes several other artists who reside in Sedona: Kim Kori, Jen Farnsworth, Shirley Eichten Albrecht, Liam Herbert and Gary Jenkins.
“I am a kid in Phoenix growing up and Bob Ross, [an American painter, art instructor and television host] is on TV and at the same time Gary Jenkins is on TV. I watched him paint these amazing florals. He's a really great guy,” Rowe said. “One day I'm here in the gallery working and guess who walks in the door, Gary Jenkins. He's got a very distinguished French beret hat on, and you can't miss him. He says, “I want to show in your gallery. I've been in your gallery many times, and I think is a great venue. I'd love to have my work in here.”
“So, we started off giving him one wall with three paintings. They quickly sold and now he's got a whole room dedicated to himself. And his work is amazing.”
In addition to Jenkins, Rowe confessed to becoming “a little star-struck” when Blake Mycoskie founder of TOMS Shoes, walked into the gallery.
“I'll never forget we were close for COVID. And a gentleman and a woman were looking through the window and I thought I should let them in,” Rowe said. “I let him in and said that we're officially closed. But if you feel safe, they had masks on, take a lap. And then when he walked by, I thought that is somebody I know from TV — it was Blake Mycoskie from TOMS shoes. And just the week before I saw an interview on PBS and I told my wife, someday I want to meet that man. And here a week later, he's in my gallery saying, “Hey, show me your work. This is great. Get a photo. Here's my autograph.” You never know who you're going to meet in here. And that is a true Sedona moment.”
Rowe is most humble about his work, however, there is something about it that draws you in. It’s unlike most sculptures in that it exudes a power, that from the viewer's point of view, is unexplainable. There is a silent story about connection and interaction that is being told, perhaps a conversation between the artist and the animal he sculpts. Rowe’s goal is to communicate —without the use of words — a reverence for his subject matter. As an inspired artist, he tells a story that profoundly touches the viewer's soul. “I don't know how it happens. Maybe, because I have so much interest in the subject matter that I go in-depth a little bit more, I don't know. But then having the firsthand interaction with these animals, as you know, I mean, that's got to be really a profound influence and in what I do.”
Stop by Rowe Gallery at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village under the bell tower. You will certainly catch him there on 1st Friday’s in the Galleries.
Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
336 State Route 179, Suite A-102, Sedona, Arizona
Phone: 928.282.8877
Posted on February 1, 2023
