We had the good fortune of connecting with Agustina Mistretta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Agustina, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Oftentimes, art is perceived as an exclusive world meant for the insiders, and that can be intimidating. But in reality, it doesn’t have to be that way. We advocate for a more inclusive approach, one that invites people in. Our gallery space’s living room layout builds a setting intended to make you feel welcome. We are always trying to tell the story behind a work of art, and every artist comes with its own story too, so there’s always a way of connecting with what you see that runs deeper than the surface level. Educating visitors and allowing them to experience what they see from their own perspective truly is a big portion of what we do.

Let’s talk shop. Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When Hexton Gallery founder Bob Chase approached me to open up a permanent location in Aspen, I worked in the arts for over 10 years in different sectors, from a non-profit organization to an uber-commercial gallery. This felt like the perfect opportunity to work with freedom and help create something meaningful and impactful for our community.

Risk Taking: How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career?
Risk is always a part of our business. Nobody has a crystal ball, and I’m necessarily into forecasting economic returns on an artist’s career. That being said, we are constantly seeking ways to support the artists we represent across the art world ecosystem, placing their works in the right collections, making connections with institutions, and advocating for their public recognition. We deeply care about both the artists and the collectors who entrust us, and the relationships we build over time turn into our chosen family. Approaching our business with transparent and sustainable practices has proven to be a valuable resource to mitigate risk.

Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
In 2019, I started leading free gallery art tours in Aspen with the sole goal in mind of demystifying the art world. That single decision changed my life. I wasn’t expecting anything in return, I followed my intuition and created something meaningful, something I believed was needed, and through that project I made the most life-changing connections of my career which led me directly to where I am today. Sometimes, things don’t make sense initially, and then it all loops together. Trusting myself and trusting the process was an essential component on my road to success.

What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Deciding to permanently establish in the US as an immigrant is one that hit hard. I’m from Argentina, and in my twenties, I have traveled extensively, always with the idea in mind of returning home to my family and friends. When COVID hit, I chose to stay in Aspen for many reasons, and I rooted so deeply in this community during that time that after it ended, it became clear that this was where I needed to establish my life. It came with hardship and effort, and being far from my loved ones has been and continues to be a challenge. I am the most grateful for everyone who supports me and encourages my full expression to follow my dreams, it’s inspiring to know that however far I go, my people are always cheering for me.

Work-life balance: How did your balance change over time? How do you think about the balance?
It’s interesting to see how I’m always wired to my work. I care so much, sometimes to a fault, that it’s hard to disengage fully. As a creative person, the most random things and places inspire me, and great ideas often come when I’m out doing something else that is not directly related to work. I certainly find balance in my connection to nature. That has always been my refuge, and the recharge I get from being off the grid in the backcountry helps me maintain my sanity. We’re privileged to have established our business in a location that’s the ultimate backyard. Five or ten minutes in any direction puts me in the middle of a National Forest, surrounded by the most epic landscapes year-round.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?
A few years ago, a close friend gifted me a letterboard, and upon opening it, a phrase immediately came to mind, which I’ve kept close since: Breathe, and make it happen. It reminds me that we are in charge of our destiny and the magicians of our own lives. It’s also a return to full presence through the act of breathing. It gives me a sense of calm and reminds me to trust myself to make things happen.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
I have a background in education, but I think that I’ve always been an artist deep inside. My grandfather was a photographer and amateur filmmaker, and my grandmother went to art school, so I think it has somehow been around in my genes. I was determined to be a teacher and loved languages, so I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in ESL. After a few years of working in the field, my artistic fire started running hot, so I took classes in photography and painting. The joy and connection to the source that I felt then certainly showed me the way. I assisted my photography teacher in a festival that introduced the production side of the art world, and I was hooked. At that time, the first curatorial program started in Argentina, so I enrolled and earned another bachelor’s in curatorial studies and arts administration. Later on, I studied art market economics at Christie’s, which gave me a better understanding of the global market. I still keep a studio practice, which has become my most creative space and way of making sense of the world.

What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you?
The biggest contribution I want to make is to help people become aware of their power and inspire change. Art is my preferred means of communication, it touches upon the most sensitive fiber in humans by accessing parts of your brain that are not activated through other portals. Bringing meaningful art into the world that taps into society’s most pressing issues is a powerful way of having an impact. If I can inspire people to question themselves, their choices, and their beliefs, and that leads to a change in behavior, then my work is done. The thing is that everything counts, we all have a role. And it’s in our hands to shape the future that we want to live in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Denver has really grown on me these past few years as I get more excuses to visit. My favorite place to eat is Rioja, which has a really creative seasonal menu. I also love visiting the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art that always has great programming and insightful exhibitions. Another passion of mine is vintage shopping, and I found the best hidden treasures at Boss Vintage on Broadway or Strawberry Mountain on Santa Fe Drive.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am most grateful for everyone who supports me and encourages me to fully express myself in the most authentic way to follow my dreams. It’s inspiring to know that however far I go, my people are always cheering for me. I’m especially grateful to Bob Chase for recognizing my passion and talent and trusting in me to bring our collective vision to reality.

Website: www.hextongallery.com

Instagram: @agusmistretta @hextongallery

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agusmistretta/

Image Credits
Image credit: Tony Prikryl

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.