Remembering Jackson Clark II

A tribute to a dear friend, mentor, and pillar of the Southwest art community.

Dear Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jackson Clark II of Toh-Atin Gallery, a dear friend, mentor, and cherished figure in the Southwest art community. Jackson was truly one of a kind. He is more than just a part of Sorrel Sky's story; he is someone who helped shape it. He profoundly influenced Sorrel Sky Gallery owner Shanan Campbell as a mother, a businesswoman, and a gallery owner.

Shanan first met Jackson when she was nine years old. One of the reasons her family moved from California to Durango was because of the friendship and respect her dad, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, had for Jackson and the Clark family. Her dad worked with Toh-Atin, selling his jewelry when they lived in California, and the reputation of their gallery and family inspired him to make a life-changing decision.

At fifteen, Shanan got her first job at Toh-Atin answering phones, filing papers, and learning the ropes. From the start, she witnessed what it meant to run a business built on integrity and genuine care for artists—values that would become the cornerstone of everything she does today.

Jackson and Shanan worked together in many capacities over the years. When she was at the Smithsonian, Shanan had the privilege of connecting Toh-Atin with Smithsonian Magazine to showcase Native arts and crafts. Then, at twenty-four, on her wedding day of all days, Jackson asked her to come back and help with their wholesale jewelry and rug business and to help run the gallery.

What followed were incredible years working side by side. Jackson even let Shanan bring her boys to work as babies, transforming the office into a nursery when needed. He embraced it completely, showing her that being a mother and a professional could go hand in hand. Those formative years became the foundation of how she built and continues to operate Sorrel Sky today.

When the time came for Shanan to branch out on her own, Jackson was her biggest cheerleader. They cried that day over coffee, and he told her he only wanted the best for her. That was who he was—generous, supportive, and always believing in others. Just last week, he texted Shanan, "Proud of you. No more galleries for a while. You are not McDonald's." Even in his humor, he showed his care.

Only two weeks ago, during the Indian Market, Jackson gave two talks at Sorrel Sky in Santa Fe. Even though he had just received difficult news about his health, he stayed strong and showed up for others, sharing his wisdom and his stories.

That same weekend, as they were setting up for his talk, Jackson, his sister Antonia, and Shanan were pulling chairs out of the garage. There were some clothes stored there, and the first thing they asked was if they could take them to the Navajo families when he visited. This moment perfectly captures Jackson's spirit—always thinking of others, always ready to help.

After that remarkable talk, he sent Shanan a note she will always treasure:

"I think I gave my best talk ever on Sunday. Knocked me over. On the way to the car, I sat down on the sidewalk with Darcy while Kris got the car. I turned my cowboy hat over on the sidewalk and tried collecting money, but no one contributed. That would be a tough life. I have had a good one, whichever road this goes down."

Jackson leaves behind more than a business legacy—he leaves behind a way of living. He honored artists, lifted up the community, and showed compassion in everything he did. Many will remember the quiet acts of service: delivering firewood to elders, helping families in need without seeking recognition, and building genuine relationships that lasted generations.

Shanan's family, her boys, and the team at Sorrel Sky in Durango and Santa Fe will miss Jackson deeply. He was always available with an answer to a question or a valuable story to share with clients. Shanan will forever be grateful for his friendship, his mentorship, and the way he shaped her life and the heart of Sorrel Sky Gallery.

Jackson passed away after suffering a stroke, leaving behind a community that loved him dearly. He often said he couldn't imagine retiring because this life was such a part of who he was. His humility, warmth, and storytelling gift endeared him to so many over the years. It's been said that some people are so afraid to die that they never begin to live. That could never be said of Jackson. He lived fully, loved deeply, and truly enjoyed people.