Our Story
Santa Fe Trails Fine Art, formerly known as Mountain Trails Gallery, has established itself as a prominent and highly regarded fine art gallery specializing in the American West since the early 1990s. Located on the Old Santa Fe Trail in the historic city of Santa Fe, our gallery represents over sixty-five highly acclaimed artists from national and international backgrounds. Our diverse collection showcases a captivating blend of Traditional, Native American, Western, and Contemporary artwork, including paintings, bronze and stone sculptures, and artifact reproductions. Our gallery’s commitment to showcasing a diverse selection of exceptional artwork allows art lovers to appreciate various styles and themes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the American West, providing a platform for artist talent to thrive and be appreciated.
At Santa Fe Trails Fine Art, our dedicated team of friendly and knowledgeable staff members takes pride in offering a wide range of services to enhance your gallery experience. Whether you seek information about our artists and their artwork or require comprehensive assistance with painting or bronze commissions, installations, or placing fine art in the secondary art market, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
We would also like to share that on June 11, 2021, Vic and Angie Payne welcomed Michele Couch as our Partner. We want to express our gratitude for your support in helping us preserve and share the beauty, spirit, and enduring legacy of the American West through its art, history, and rich culture. Our commitment to building long-standing relationships, both with artists and customers, remains unwavering.
We warmly invite you to visit our gallery, which is open seven days a week. Immerse yourself in the richness of the American West as you explore our exquisite fine art collection at Santa Fe Trails Fine Art!
Meet the Team
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Michele Couch
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PARTNER
As a native of New Mexico, my relocation to Santa Fe in 1997 represented a meaningful return to the region of my upbringing. Although my initial thoughts leaned towards joining an accounting firm, an unexpected opportunity arose through Vic Payne. He extended an invitation for me to undertake administrative duties at his gallery, which I gladly accepted.
Currently, I am privileged to serve as the Executive Director and Partner at Santa Fe Trails Fine Art Gallery, formerly known as Mountain Trails Gallery. My time here has been consistently fulfilling and intellectually engaging. Situated in the heart of Santa Fe, I feel particularly fortunate to be continually surrounded by remarkable beauty and exceptional artistic talent. Over the years, I have developed exceptionally close professional relationships with both our talented artists and our valued collectors, individuals whom Ive come to consider an extension of my own family. The chance to forge meaningful connections with others through our shared passion is deeply rewarding.
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Sonia Leyba
FINE ART CONSULTANT
I was born in Santa Fe, NM, raised in Corpus Christi, TX, and moved back to Santa Fe after graduating high school. After a year back in Santa Fe, I moved to Los Angeles to study and pursue a career in acting. My love for the arts changed in a new direction when I began working for Vic and Angie Payne in 1999 at Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson, WY; Park City, UT; and Santa Fe, NM.
In 2003, I went on to sell real estate and coffee and met my husband. Over the next 14 years, we worked together to build our local beverage and distribution company. We have six children, three boys and three girls, whom I am honored to homeschool.
In June 2021, the opportunity arose to come back and work in the gallery as Vic and Angie Payne partnered up with Michele Couch and Gary Mehan…as soon as I walked in the door, I knew I was home. One day last year, before Indian Market, Vic said, “We got the whole gang back together!” I love it here, it is a true family, and I thank God for every one of our owners, staff, artists, and clients. As Angie says, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”
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Jade Valdez
REGISTRAR
Jade joined our team at Santa Fe Trails Fine Art in June 2022. She is the galleries Registrar and Art Handler taking care of packing and unpacking artworks and preparing works for gallery exhibition, arranging works of art for domestic and international shipment, and maintaining the art gallery's computer database to input client information.
Jade is also a full-time student at the Institute of American Indian Arts seeking a Bachelor in Studio Arts.
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Jacob Couch
FINE ART CONSULTANT
Jacob was raised in Santa Fe, NM and was surrounded by artists and the art gallery business all his life due to his mother, Michele Couch. Jacob works full time as a Luxury Property Manager and Leasing Agent at Landseer Management. During the weekend and gallery art shows, you can also find Jacob sharing his time and many talents as a Fine Art Consultant at Santa Fe Trails Fine Art.
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Cynthia Alderson
FINE ART CONSULTANT
Cynthia Alderson has proudly called Santa Fe home since the late 1980s, bringing her Southern roots from Alabama to the vibrant art scene of New Mexico. As a fine art consultant, she has been immersed in creativity throughout her adult life. She draws additional inspiration from her daughter, who owns a fine art supply store in Nob Hill. This familial connection to the art world has fueled her passion for supporting local artists and collectors alike. As a dedicated member of the Santa Fe community, Cynthia is committed to fostering connections within the art world and promoting artistic expression.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, she is a Realtor with Keller Williams Santa Fe and has built a successful real estate career since 1995, where she enjoys helping others find their dream homes while celebrating the unique cultural essence of the region. Cynthia believes in the transformative power of arts and culture and actively seeks opportunities to be involved in the art scene and thrilled to be a part of the team at Santa Fe Trails Fine Art. Her unwavering support for artists and collectors exemplifies her dedication to nurturing the creative spirit of Santa Fe.