Meet The Sorrel Sky Gallery Staff

Sheri Rochford

Sheri Rochford, Gallery Director

Sheri is a Colorado native, who grew up in Durango has an impressive resume. Two years ago she retired after spending 30 years at Fort Lewis College, most recently as the executive director of the Fort Lewis Foundation. Since then she has worked as the guest services manager at Durango Mountain Resort and as an executive officer with the Durango Area Association of Realtors. She is also actively involved in several important community boards and nonprofit organizations including Leadership La Plata.

Barbara Longfellow

Barbara Longfellow, Gallery Manager

Barbara has over 10 years of experience in the art gallery field alone. In many ways, she embodies the spirit of Sorrel Sky Gallery. Barbara is a powerhouse of knowledge, experience and ability. She will always offer outstanding counsel regarding inquiries and special needs. She has a keen eye for quality, balance and aesthetic integrity.
Barbara exemplifies the qualities that Sorrel Sky Gallery stands for: consistently providing positive experiences for clients, artists and associates.

Janet Sue Pederson

Sue has a long professional background and comes to us from the East Coast, where she raised her family. She is our energizer bunny, and her enthusiasm for everything under the sun is catching! She is an avid athlete, balanced by her love of culinary pursuits. Sue finished her first 26 mile marathon two years ago.
She oftentimes caters events here at the Gallery, and creates her own works of art in the medium of delicious food. Always quick to smile and welcome, you will be well taken care of and feel the energy that she passes on.

Julie Hewett

Julie brings with her extensive experience working with artists and in galleries. She studied at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque where she received her B.A. degree in fine art with an emphasis in photography. “Working with artists has taken me to places in the world and in my mind I would never have gone to on my own, ” she said referring how much working in the arts has enriched her life. Julie’s appetite for excellence is evident in all her client relationships.

Gary Prisby

Gary Prisby joined Sorrel Sky Gallery in the spring of 2007 as a full-time sales associate. After teaching high school physics and earth science for nine years, Gary owned an art gallery and picture framing shop for 17 years on the North Shore of Massachusetts. His relocation to Durango in the fall of 2004 has brought to Sorrel Sky his 24 years’ worth of knowledge and expertise in the art and framing industry.

Jill Soens

Jill has spent a great deal of her life in academia, both as a teacher and as a student. She is our resident historian and can provide details of cultural history as accompanying background to many pieces of artwork. She has a great love of this area, and has explored most of the surrounding Southwest. She helps guests to this area develop an awareness and appreciation for Western Art and history.
Jill spends the winter months traveling the world, and the summer months here at Sorrel Sky Gallery. She brings a calm and gracious presence to all her dealings, and one always feels enlightened and appreciated by an encounter with her.

Paulette Giambattista

Paulette is a Durango native and still resides on the family farm, which supports one of her three passions i.e., horses. Art, jewelry, and horses have always been her great loves. She comes to the gallery after retiring from an extensive career of counseling and teaching in public education. Currently, she is the Program Director of Cadence Therapeutic Riding and a volunteer with TherEx, an Equine Assisted Psychotheraphy program.

Robin Hood

Robin joins the Sorrel Sky team after a move across the US from Stowe, VT. Leaving behind a degree in Chemistry and a career in high-tech manufacturing, “it feels great to have come full circle and return to my roots in the arts and the Southwest.” Now as artist and educator, and with her “Stowe Peaks Art Glass” studio firmly rooted in Colorado, she continues to be inspired by the simple, bold patterns of Native American pottery and textiles for her kiln-formed glass art designs.

Shanan Campbell Wells

Shanan Campbell Wells, Owner

Shanan is the owner of Sorrel Sky Gallery in Durango, Co, as well as national consulting firm SCW Art Consulting. Her innovative and forward thinking ideas have brought a new dimension to the gallery and consulting realm. Daughter of jewelry artist and retired U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Shanan prides herself as having a strong work ethic and being high integrity. Through her nationwide Native American connections, professional acquaintances and first had experiences, she has developed a unique and extensive expertise in original western and Native American fine art.

Experiences -

SCW Art Consulting - Owner originator. Focusing on value and mission based corporate art collections.

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. - Product development and licensing.

The Franklin Mint, Philadelphia, PA. - Art scout through eight western states.

Nighthorse Studio, Ignacio, Colorado -Managed studio for, jewelry artist, Ben Nighthorse. Oversaw all production and sales.

Involvements -

Department of the Interior, Commissioner, Indian Arts and Crafts Board

Fort Lewis College Foundation, Board member

Mesa Verde Foundation, Board Member